Courtesy of Netflix

One doesn’t usually go into an escapist thriller series expecting thoughtful characterizations and nuanced depictions of the effects of abuse on the human psyche, yet both are present in the Netflix program Angela. I initially tuned in looking for a mindless distraction, which the show surely provides, but I was pleased to see that there’s more to the series than meets the eye at first glance. The show, a Spanish-language reimagining of the British program Angela Black, is a captivating watch, thanks to a strong performance from lead actor Verónica Sánchez, a winding, albeit somewhat predictable, narrative, and a satisfying conclusion that will likely have you saying, “Good for her!” 

This incarnation follows lead character Angela (Sánchez), a mother of two, navigating an abusive marital dynamic. Her life takes a series of unexpected turns when she meets a mysterious stranger who calls himself Edu (Jaime Zatarain). The pair cross paths when Edu delivers Angela flowers that her husband, Gonzalo (Daniel Grao), sent following a violent altercation. Edu recognizes Angela and explains that he’s a former classmate with fond memories of their school days. Angela has no such recollections, but she seems to enjoy the attention he provides. She eventually begins to reciprocate his flirty energy, and the two briefly draw close, but that puts Angela in danger as her domineering husband grows increasingly convinced that something isn’t right.

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Although Angela tries to sever ties with Edu, he continues to pursue her and eventually makes troublesome accusations about Gonzalo’s true intentions. That leaves Angela torn as she begins to question not only her loyalties, but her very sanity. The series takes several twists and turns from there, with Angela caught between two men, each with an agenda of his own. 

I had a fun time following along with Angela’s journey. The program features an entertaining trajectory that winds back and forth repeatedly before eventually finishing with a wildly satisfying conclusion. 

What really won me over about the series is the depth of the writing. I don’t mean narrative depth more so than character depth. On the surface, the program is light and airy, but Angela stands out. Her arc thoughtfully encapsulates the far-reaching consequences of abuse on the human psyche. This is especially noticeable when, about halfway through the series, she’s institutionalized for physically attacking her husband and allegedly fabricating Edu’s very existence. We follow along as she goes about convincing herself that Edu never existed, and further questioning if Gonzalo was ever even abusing her in the first place. She begins to blame herself and idealize her abuser, two classic symptoms of long-term abuse that we don’t always see represented onscreen. 

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Though the series shares certain thematic elements with efforts like Sleeping With the Enemy and Enough, Angela arguably stands as a more nuanced portrait of what abuse actually looks like and the psychological toll it takes. In both of those similarly themed films, the abused character makes a break for it and has little difficulty seeing the bigger picture. That works well enough to advance the narrative in both cases, but neither film is a particularly realistic portrait of a battered spouse. Domestic violence survivors often rationalize the improper treatment, blame themselves, justify bad behavior, and ultimately question their own perception.

With that in mind, Angela’s relationship to her abuser is arguably more realistic than what we see in many screen renderings of this type. Aside from that, her distorted perspective on a toxic relationship also works to invoke audience empathy and adds to the paranoid uncertainty that permeates this series from the start. 

Following her distressing bout with self-doubt, Angela gets some much-needed clarity that kicks the proceedings back into high gear and leads to a new, more confident version of the character emerging from the ashes. Her transformation is subtle but empowering, building to an end game that had me enthusiastically cheering her along as she finds her voice and her place in this world.  

One thing to bear in mind if you decide to take the series in is that it doesn’t deviate all that much from standard narrative convention, often going in the most predictable direction. In all fairness, though, that approach isn’t entirely uncommon for this type of series. So, I took the lack of jaw-dropping surprises in stride and had a good time anyway. Not to mention, Angela largely makes up for any shortcomings with consistent pacing, a relatable main character, and an empowering conclusion. 

Angela pulled me in and held my interest for the duration. The program unfolds over the course of just six breezy episodes, making it a viable option for anyone looking for an engaging and sometimes profound distraction that doesn’t require a major time commitment. If you’re curious, head over to Netflix and give Angela a shot.

Author rating: 3.5/5

Summary

A compelling lead and rapid pace make this thriller series one to watch.

Categorized: Reviews