GORDITA CHRONICLES
There’s nothing better than a feel-good family sitcom, which is why I need everyone to add GORDITA CHRONICLES (trailer here) to their watchlist. Set in an ultra-nostalgic 1980s Miami, Cucu Castelli has just moved from the Dominican Republic with her parents, Victor and Adela, and her older sister, Emilia. At the heart of this story, the Castellis are trying to overcome the cultural barriers in America, while supporting each other to achieve the “American Dream,” but they quickly learn it’s not all it’s chopped up to be. I mean, learning about taxes is enough to kill the dream for Victor (rightfully so). The Castellis really stick up for each other in their times of need, which is why this family is so easy to love. Even Emilia and Cucu’s sibling rivalry (which, admittedly, is very similar to my own childhood rivalry with my older sister) cannot trump the loyalty they have to each other. Truthfully, Cucu is the kid I wanted to be growing up—not in the stereotypical sense of looks and popularity, but in the confidence she so effortlessly exudes. I forget at times that Olivia Goncalves, who plays Cucu, is only 12 years old. But, it feels so easy to be drawn to her character, whose wittiness, strongly grounded individuality, and a bit of naiveté seem to get her through all of her tween problems. This show really delivers some wholesome vibes, so I urge you to binge the whole season on HBO Max!
—Ellen Amare, Office Coordinator
