Eva Lasting, or La Primera Vez, is the latest Spanish teen drama that premiered on February 15, 2023, on Netflix. Directed by Maria Gamboa and Mateo Stivelberg, the story surrounds a group of adolescents whose lives change following the arrival of a young woman with different perspectives. Her revolutionary worldview helps broaden the school’s and students’ preconceived notions.
Starring Francisca Estevez in the lead role as a young feminist, Eva Samper and Emmanuel Restrepo takes up the role of Camilo Granados, a timid teenager in love with Eva. The rest of the supporting and recurring cast includes Sergio Palau, Julián Cerati, Mateo García, Cecilia Navia, Verónica Orozco, Santiago Alarcón and more. Dago García has the writing credits, and Nicolás Forero Martínez is the cinematographer.
The Netflix description of the series reads as follows:
A mysterious teen girl arrives at an all-boys school in 1970s Colombia, breaking stereotypes, rules… and a few hearts.
-Eva Lasting Review Contains No Spoilers-
Revolutionary might not be the right word to describe it, but it is definitely groundbreaking. Set in the ’70s Colombia, when too many societal rules existed, they were challenged by a lone woman who greatly impacted six individuals’ lives. Eva Samper, the first female student in an all-boys school, arrived with her striking and enigmatic presence. Everyone fell in love with her gorgeous appearance, but her fierce determination to change the world is what captivated most people.
The most intriguing aspect of the series is the unique storytelling process. Each episode is named after a popular piece of literature corresponding with the ongoing plotline. Lysistrata was the name of the first episode, a famous play authored by Aristophanes is an account of a woman who persuaded other women to withhold sexual privileges from all men to end a war. It showcased how society had still not evolved and saw women as mere objects of satisfaction.
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Several books from great authors were included to introduce the themes surrounding feminism and discrimination, including romantic sagas like Romeo and Juliet. A staggering difference between the old and current social environment could be seen. The struggles of women in the 1970s are often omitted in the media, and the creators were able to highlight those issues flawlessly in the series.
However, beyond the social commentaries, Camilo Granados’s unrequited love towards Eva will frustrate you. Either bad timing or societal responsibilities get in their way each time. It is the modern depiction of a sad love story to illustrate the similarities with the great sagas written by the likes of Shakespeare. Furthermore, the relationship dynamics within the group and the changes they go through are also shown.
Moreover, the struggles of men in society were also displayed, especially how they are expected to protect and maintain the image of a strong person at all times. Taboos surrounding sexuality and how religion dominated most families were other major subjects that appeared during the thirteen-part series.
Francisca Estevez stole the show with her brilliant acting abilities. She successfully captured the essence of a strong and mysterious woman, and it is undoubtedly one of her best performances, among many others. Emmanuel Restrepo also did a commendable job in portraying the character of a morally grey student willing to sacrifice his entire life over the love of his life. The rest of the supporting cast also remained committed to their roles and did as the script required.
The cinematography and intricate camera work are other notable aspects of the show. The background music also played a major role in elevating the plot and narration.
Eva Lasting Review: Final Thoughts
I strongly recommend the series to everyone, especially those who enjoy plotlines that challenge the norm and view radical opinions. It is not just educational but also contains stories about human flaws, which will be relatable to the audience. The actors, script and cinematography will keep the viewers engaged.
Eva Lasting is now streaming on Netflix.
Did you watch Eva Lasting yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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It is not Isa Garcia who portrays Eva Samper but Francisca Estevez!