Historia de un clan

Historia de un Clan is an Argentine television mini-series that aired in 2015 on Telefe network, later acquiring worldwide popularity through the streaming platform, Netflix. Based on a thrilling true crime story, this groundbreaking series is centered on the sinister saga of the notorious Puccio Clan, a family from the traditional and upper-class Buenos Aires neighborhood of San Isidro, who engaged in a series of shocking criminal activities during the late 20th century.

Set in the political and social context of Argentina's tumultuous 1980s, the series, presented in a concise 11-episode format, unfolds the chilling narrative of the Puccio family led by its patriarch, Arquímedes Puccio. The genuine awe of this show hinges upon the duality of the Puccio family's outward appearance of normalcy and respectability with their heinous criminal behavior.

The family is composed of Arquímedes, a seemingly responsible head of family and a former intelligence agent, his submissive wife, Epifanía Calvo, and their five children including Alejandro, a talented rugby player. The juxtaposition of their daily routines and wicked endeavors offer a suspenseful narrative that further evokes a deep sense of disbelief and dread.

Like most exceptional crime dramas, Historia de un Clan delicately balances the line between psychological exploration and suspenseful storytelling. The viewer is urged to understand the

inner dynamics and environment that enabled such monstrous activities to take place.

Fabian Ortega, a talented Argentine writer and creator of the series, nails the treatment of such a creepy narrative with an authoritative blend of sensitivity and ruthless exposé. Also, his direction ensures that the demeanor never dabbles in the melodramatic or gratuitous, maintaining a tone that feels fittingly cold, grim, and brutally honest. Furthermore, the authentic portrayal of Buenos Aires of the 1980s, with its superbly crafted set design and costume department, contributes significantly to the authenticity of the tale being told.

Historia de un Clan stands out in the Argentina’s television landscape for its raw portrayal of a real-life crime family, a narrative approach seldom seen in the region’s television history until this series. Its unique storytelling style, coupled with a meticulous attention to details and character development, sets it apart from the more conventional telenovelas that are often associated with Latin American TV production.

The casting choices in this series are another quality worth mentioning. Alejandro Awada gives a breathtaking performance as Arquímedes Puccio, and the performance by Chino Darín, as the conflicted son Alejandro, forms the emotional core of the series. Their performances give the narrative its much-needed depth, making the characters human and, in many ways, more terrifying.

The intrigue of Historia de un Clan lies in its exploration of the psychology of its characters as much as it does in the dramatic retelling of their crimes. It’s an exploration of the human capacity for evil as much as it is a family drama. Ortega offers viewers a frightening view into the complexities of familial bonds, manipulation, and the blurred line between seeming everyday life and absolute monstrosity.

Moreover, it offers a social commentary on the dark era of Argentina's history, a time marked by military dictatorship and the 'Dirty War' that left thousands of people 'disappeared'. The series subtly hints at the government's involvement and the societal acceptance of such heinous crimes during the era.

In summary, Historia de un Clan is more than a mere crime drama. It's a chilling portrait of a grim chapter in Argentina's history, painted with the shades of human psychology, societal conditions, crime and punishment, and family dynamics. The series doesn't shy away from delving into the innermost layers of each character and leaves the audience with lingering thoughts about family ties, the nature of evil, and the duality of human nature.

While Historia de un Clan is intense and often disturbing, it is equally compelling and hard to turn away from. It's a show that firmly lodges itself into your memory, not just for its storyline, but for its attempt to shed light on the darkest corners of human nature and our society.