Veneno is a series on HBO Max. It goes on the story of Blanca who gets to meet her childhood idol La Veneno. This sparks a journey of interest intrigue that inspires Blanca to find out more about veneno, but also about herself. This series focuses on the life and story of LGBTQ+ people and how them just existing is a struggle in itself. Yet with odds stacked against them they are able to persevere and find their way though life. This series is based on a true story. La leyenda herself, Cristina “La Veneno”.
Synopsis
In the series it begins with college student Blanca who meets her childhood idol Veneno. Veneno aka Cristina was a transgender night time variety person/ ex-sex worker. A shadow of her former glory, veneno is now older and doesn’t dress in the glam that she once did, but the attitude is still there. Through series of flashbacks and story telling we get to know more about Veneno. Her origins, from growing up in a small coastal town, to finding herself and being herself proudly. And this was no easy feat in one life time she went through what many people would never want to face. Yet, she lived to tell it.
In this journey of finding out who Veneno is and what made her Blanca makes a self realization with the help of Veneno and her friends. She realizes that in order to be happy and fulfilled she also needs to find herself and accept herself. This is a heart warming and touching story. It shows the vulnerability that comes with finding and accepting yourself.
Emotional Rollercoaster
When watching this you will go through so many emotions with Blanca and Veneno. This story shows a struggle that a lot of transgender woman and men face that many people who are cis gendered may not know about. From being rejected by your own family to struggling to find love. Your heart strings will surely be pulled and you will have a good cry. However, rage and happiness are never to far and you surely will end up with a well rounded cluster of emotions.
But emotional struggles aren’t the only things that are faced. Mental and physical abuse is shown. You would be shocked that this was a person’s life; but that this may have been the experience for many other who ere experiencing the same thing. You surely will experience every emotion possible.
Shining A Light
I think that this series is a good ay to bring transgendered individuals issues and problems they face to the forefront. IN mainstream media there is no programs that have many trans characters, let alone a sole program that is based on the experimces of tramsgemered inndivudals. While there have been steps to change this inrecent years like with the tv show POSE, this series shows the more dark, sad reality that trans people face. So this is a sort of a trigger warning when watching this series. It does show scenes of abuse and violence towards women.
One thing that was shown was various ways she was descriminated. For example, when she was arrested she was put in a male prison instead of the female prison. She also showed how she had to be a sex worker to survive. These are just few of the things that she had to face in her life. I think that it is important to show the story of trans people because it may help shed the light on struggles that a community is facing and ways that society can help to change these issues.
All in all, I hope this short review has swayed you into watching this series. I kept it short and simple because I believe this piece speaks for itself. I didn’t want to give too much away and have the viewer know too much. I just have the basic knowledge. Watching it really tells the story.
Everything that is her characteristics that she has and exudes is what makes her and give her her own essence. She is bold and brash not because she wants to be perceived that way but it’s a coping mechanism. Her survival is what shaped her. If you do check it out let me know after what you think! Hopefully everybody checks it out !
P.S. The song that Veneno says is her favorite and plays in the club scene is called Always On My Mind by Pet Shop Boys. Thank me later after you’ve reached this part. 💗
J’s Journal 