Veneno

Titled as simply "Veneno," this 2020 drama offering from HBO provides a unique perspective into the life and trials of a larger-than-life personality, the legendary Spanish transsexual singer and television personality Cristina “La Veneno” Ortiz Rodríguez. Her striking life story has never before been portrayed as candidly as in this television series, bringing her eccentric charisma, personal struggles, and gender identity issues into vivid clarity.

Veneno is an eight-episode series, structured with meticulous precision to highlight the most poignant moments from La Veneno's life at every stage. As we delve deeper into the eight episodes, our perspective switches between two contrasting yet strangely intertwined lives, one being La Veneno herself, and the other of a young journalism student named Valeria who becomes fascinated with her.

La Veneno, a woman of fiery spirit and extravagant appearance, was a fascinating celebrity in the 90s. Her incredible journey from a humble background in south Spain to becoming a widely recognized figure in the country’s nightlife, television, and adult film scene is framed with an associated narrative of socio-cultural changes within the country itself.

On the other side, the story introduces us to Valeria Vegas, a young trans woman in her own right who finds herself identifying with La Veneno while figuring out her own identity and sexuality. Over the course of the series, viewers get to observe the unique bond that establishes between these two women from very different worlds. Valeria becomes La Veneno’s official biographer, a turning point in her career, while continuing to wrestle with her gender identity.

In the truest sense, Veneno is a celebration of queer identity, unconventional femininity, and self-expression. It has emerged to be a milestone in transgender representation on television, spotlighting the triumphs and struggles inherent to the trans community. Although it is founded on a sense of euphoria, glamour and visual extravagance, the series never shies away from exploring the darker angles of La Veneno’s life – the prejudice, self-destructive tendencies and violence she was subject to.

There are several levels at which Veneno resonates with audiences. It brings a marginalized story into the mainstream, portraying the reality of hundreds of transgender people from a time where acceptance was not a matter of course. For younger audiences, it shines a light on the importance of acceptance and self-expression, creating a powerful experience that is sure to leave a lasting impact.

The show’s writing from Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrosi, collectively known as “Los Javis”, is attention-grabbing and insightful, walking viewers through a crash course about the cultural and social landscape of Spain during the 90s. Moreover, the brilliant performance by not just one, but three actresses - Isabel Torres, Daniela Santiago, and Jedet – at different periods of La Veneno's life gives the character a gripping authenticity.

Visually, Veneno is a colorful, enticing spectacle that conveys a vivid panorama of life in Madrid during the late 20th century. Great care has been taken to recreate the fashion, aesthetics, and everyday life of the era. Not to mention, despite its primarily dramatic genre, the show is peppered with elements of comedy and a certain campy charm that is expected from a life as flamboyant and outgoing as La Veneno's.

In its essence, Veneno is more than a biographical miniseries – it is a fervent tribute to a pioneering figure in Spain's LGBTQ+ community and a testament to the continuing struggle for acceptance and equality by transgender individuals worldwide. The series underscores that identity is not just about gender, but encompasses a whole range of life experiences, aspirations, and individual truths. Underneath the dazzle and extravaganza of Veneno's life, it is a story of love, courage, and the universal human desire to be understood and accepted for who we are.