The "Always a Witch" team comprises a group of talented individuals who have come together to create a groundbreaking television series. This Colombian magical realism show centers around a young Afro-Colombian witch named Carmen, who time travels from the 17th century to the present day to save her loved ones. The team behind this production works seamlessly to bring this captivating story to life. At the helm of the team is the show's creator and executive producer, Ana María Parra. With her vision and storytelling prowess, Parra sets the foundation for the show's intricate plotlines and rich characters. She is known for her previous work on Colombian hit series, "Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord," which showcases her ability to craft compelling narratives.
Once Carmen arrives in 2019, Always a Witch doesn’t fare much better. In a classic fish-out-of-water story, Carmen faces massive culture shock after discovering modern technology like smartphones, fashion, and a society where women are not only allowed to get an education but also attend university. (Not to mention the lack of slavery, which gets covered less than other areas; or the fact that she takes up her old room in her house, which has been turned into a hostel.) When her contact from the future mysteriously disappears, Carmen is on her own.
As Refinery29 s Ariana Romero explained in a breakdown of the Always a Witch slavery controversy, there were other ways of depicting Carmen and Cristobal s relationship without resorting to these racist tropes. we must establish authority over our own definition It means that I affirm my own worth by committing myself to my own survival, in my own self and in the self of other Black women.
She is known for her previous work on Colombian hit series, "Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord," which showcases her ability to craft compelling narratives. Under Parra's guidance, the writing team ensures that the show remains engaging and immersive. The writers dive deep into the historical context of the story, intertwining it with Carmen's journey in the modern world.
‘Always a Witch’ can’t shake the weight of the problematic love story at its core
At first glance, Always a Witch (originally called Siempre Bruja ) looked like a worthy addition to the growing (and more inclusive) canon of fictional witches , one that is still largely white . It’s vibrant, dark without taking on the “gritty” or “realistic” color palette that other genres embody—to the benefit of its gorgeous showcase of Cartagena, Colombia—and it features an eclectic cast of characters, including a powerful Afro-Latinx witch front-and-center. But the central romance at the heart of this largely predictable supernatural teen drama (and all of the baggage it brings with it) casts a dark cloud over the series from the start.
Always a Witch (Siempre Bruja)RELEASE DATE: 2/1/2019
CREATOR: Ana María Parra
STREAMING: Netflix
A 17th-century witch who’s about to be burned at the stake travels to the 21st century, where she discovers that culture shock is the least of her problems.
Set in both 17th-century and present-day Cartagena, Always a Witch quickly introduces us to Carmen Eguiluz, a witch and slave from 1646. Accused of witchcraft in a time when the Inquisition flourished in colonial Colombia, Carmen is set to burn at the stake. Before the Inquisition fully carries out her execution, Carmen travels to 2019 after making a deal with imprisoned wizard Aldemar. She cannot use magic in the future, as it would alert Lucien (a powerful wizard who’s said to turn witches who won’t follow him into ash) of her presence.
But from Always a Witch ’s first episode, its entire premise starts to unravel. (If you want to remain completely unspoiled, turn away now.)
Because, as we quickly learn, the deal that Carmen makes with Aldemar is that if she can free him, he’ll prevent the death of Cristobal, the man she loves. He’s also a member of the family that owns her.
The fact that Cristobal is Carmen’s motivation to travel to the future isn’t a surprise; he’s featured in the trailers. But the trailer—which initially excited viewers by promising a new spin on TV witchcraft—did hide the true nature of the couple’s relationship. When people found out, after Always a Witch debuted on Netflix last week, they were pissed .
Always a Witch never questions the fact that Carmen and Cristobal love each other, but it largely tells us instead of showing us. What we see is a young white man showing a smidgen of kindness to a Black woman who’s up for auction, which somehow builds the foundation of a relationship sold to viewers as a 17th-century approximation of equal footing. A relationship between a master and a slave will always include an unhealthy power dynamic, no matter how much you try to write otherwise. It’s the kind of relationship that media and history have romanticized and fetishized for centuries; according to the AV Club’s Kayla Sutton , many of these botched depictions, written to be aspirational or romantic, come off as completely tone-deaf, often as a result of being written by white Latinx creators.
Over several flashbacks scattered throughout the season, the show attempts to take the “forbidden romance” route via stolen moments and secret meetings in Cristobal’s family’s home and around Cartagena. As she navigates the 21st century, Carmen is motivated to return to her time—and to Cristobal—even though doing so would mean returning to her life as a slave. Although Carmen eventually finds a way to challenge 17th-century Colombia’s patriarchal and racist society, the moment is too little, too late to redeem the racist tropes introduced in the very first episode. Even in the best light, the execution is clunky and cringeworthy.
As Refinery29’s Ariana Romero explained in a breakdown of the Always a Witch slavery controversy, there were other ways of depicting Carmen and Cristobal’s relationship without resorting to these racist tropes. They still would’ve had similar results: They’re discovered and condemned by a racist society because of their interracial relationship; Carmen is accused of witchcraft; Cristobal gets shot trying to defend Carmen; Carmen is convicted and sentenced to burn at the stake.
Once Carmen arrives in 2019, Always a Witch doesn’t fare much better. In a classic fish-out-of-water story, Carmen faces massive culture shock after discovering modern technology like smartphones, fashion, and a society where women are not only allowed to get an education but also attend university. (Not to mention the lack of slavery, which gets covered less than other areas; or the fact that she takes up her old room in her house, which has been turned into a hostel.) When her contact from the future mysteriously disappears, Carmen is on her own.
As Carmen tries to find the woman who will help send her back to her own time, she befriends a group of students who are largely kept in the dark about her origins, as well as the scene-stealing Jhony Ki, the grandson of the woman who owns her former masters’ home. Carmen also becomes closer to a substitute professor named Esteban, which not only sets up a central love triangle but another unhealthy power dynamic that bothers absolutely none of the characters. While some of the show’s brighter moments come from this team working together, its takes on modern issues like revenge porn, catfishing, and online dating feel clumsy and regressive.
Then again, many of the show’s moments fall flat. You can spot one of the season’s biggest twists from a mile away. At times, it’s hard to keep track of which characters can use magic or who’s bewitched. A side plot involving a detective trying to solve Carmen’s sudden appearance and her potential link to a serial killer bookends the season but is barely visited.
Always a Witch has several pieces that could’ve worked with proper execution, and the makings of a story that could’ve hooked viewers. Instead, clunky storytelling and problematic tropes will likely lead viewers to mourn what could have been.
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Share this article *First Published: Feb 7, 2019, 2:35 pm CSTMichelle Jaworski
Follow -->Michelle Jaworski is a staff writer and TV/film critic at the Daily Dot. She covers entertainment, geek culture, and pop culture and has covered everything from the Sundance Film Festival, NYFF, and Tribeca to New York Comic Con and Con of Thrones. She is based in Brooklyn.
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Our Take: Always A Witch (original title: Siempre Bruja) is supposed to be a young adult show, likely putting Carmen in situations where she forges friendships and relationships as she navigates present-day Cartegena, all the while trying to get back to her time and her true love. But the first part is actually pretty dark, because in setting up Carmen’s story, executive producer Dago García had to go through the bad stuff first: Her trial, Cristobal’s death, the ever-present specter of Lucien.
Through their meticulous research and creativity, they bring a unique blend of history and fantasy to the screen. The director, Liliana Bocanegra, has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through cinematography. Her ability to capture the magic and essence of each scene adds depth and authenticity to the show. With Bocanegra's guidance, the actors are able to fully embody their characters, delivering captivating performances that keep viewers hooked. The production team collaborates closely with the creative department to manifest the fantastical elements of the story. With stunning visual effects and intricate set designs, they transport viewers seamlessly between time periods. The attention to detail in the costumes and makeup further enhances the authenticity of each character and their journey. In front of the camera, the talented cast brings the characters to life. Angely Gaviria shines in the leading role of Carmen, effortlessly portraying her strength and vulnerability. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, further immersing the audience in the story. Overall, the "Always a Witch" team is a well-orchestrated group of individuals who have poured their expertise and passion into creating a mesmerizing television series. With a captivating storyline, outstanding performances, and meticulous attention to detail, they have successfully crafted a show that pushes boundaries and captivates audiences worldwide..
Reviews for "Witchcraft in the Modern Era: 'Always a Witch' Team Discusses Making Magic Relevant"
1. Sara - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Always a witch" team. The plot seemed promising, but the execution fell flat. The acting was subpar, with many of the characters delivering their lines in a forced and unconvincing manner. The storyline was confusing and lacked depth, leaving me feeling disconnected from the events unfolding on screen. I also found the special effects to be cheesy and poorly done. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this show.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Always a witch" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was cliché and predictable, making it hard to invest in the characters or the story. The lead actress seemed miscast and lacked the necessary charisma to carry the show. The pacing was also off, with the plot dragging in some areas and rushing through important moments in others. The show had potential, but unfortunately, the execution fell short of my expectations. I would advise skipping this one unless you're a die-hard fan of supernatural dramas.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Always a witch," but it failed to deliver. The show felt disjointed, with episodes jumping from one storyline to another without a clear direction. The character development was weak, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. Additionally, the dialogue was often cringe-worthy and lacked depth. The historical elements of the show were interesting, but they weren't enough to save it from its overall shortcomings. I can't say I would recommend "Always a witch" to anyone looking for quality programming.