Netflix's new Mexican drama, 'Lovesick,' centers on Emilia Sauri, portrayed by Renata Vaca, as she navigates a society on the cusp of revolution while striving to become one of Mexico's first female doctors.
The series, set in Puebla, Mexico, in 1910, introduces Emilia as she works in her father's apothecary. This era was marked by significant political upheaval, with the country nearing a decade-long conflict, yet societal expectations for women remained restrictive, often prioritizing marriage to wealthy families.
Emilia's personal life becomes entangled with romance and societal pressures. She rekindles a childhood connection with Daniel Cuenca (Juan Pablo Fuentes), who supports a progressive presidential candidate challenging the incumbent Porfirio Díaz. Simultaneously, Emilia observes her friend Soledad's unhappy arranged marriage, further solidifying her desire for autonomy. While her mother, Josefa Veytia (Diana Bovio), encourages marriage, her aunt Milagros (Cassandra Ciangherotti) emerges as a vital influence, advocating for women's rights and aligning with the revolutionary movement.
As Emilia's relationship with Daniel intensifies, including a loss of virginity, she also develops a connection with a young doctor, Antonio Zavalza (Juan Amozurrutia), met at Soledad's wedding. The narrative structure, crafted by writers Catalina Aguilar Mastretta and Fernanda Eguiarte, aims to balance Emilia's personal relationships with her burgeoning career ambitions, preventing the romantic entanglements from overshadowing her professional aspirations.
Renata Vaca's performance as Emilia has been highlighted for embodying the character's independence, intelligence, and revolutionary spirit. Cassandra Ciangherotti is also recognized for her portrayal of Aunt Milagros, a significant influence on Emilia.
The series incorporates mature themes, including nudity, particularly during a scene where Emilia and Daniel are pursued by police and in a scene depicting Emilia losing her virginity. The narrative pivots significantly when Daniel's brother, Salvador (Alejandro Puente), is injured during a protest. Emilia's involvement in tending to Salvador alongside Antonio, leading to her holding a bullet removed from him, crystallizes her ultimate career goal.
Based on the novel by Ángeles Mastretta, 'Lovesick' draws parallels to period dramas like 'Bridgerton' and 'The Gilded Age.' The series is noted for its successful integration of romantic subplots with Emilia's pursuit of a medical career, a path highly unconventional for women in 1910s Mexico. The show is described as balancing its more sensual elements with a compelling narrative about a woman seeking agency in a period of profound societal change.