Name: The Surrogacy
Genre: Drama
Released: 2023-06-14T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Shaní Lozano, Luis Ernesto Franco, Leticia Calderón, Marcela Guirado, Camila Selser

The opening shot of The Surrogacy lingers on Yeni’s face, her eyes a mix of desperation and resolve as she signs the contract that will rent out her womb. This is the gut-punch introduction to Aida Guajardo’s Netflix drama, a series that dives headfirst into the ethical quagmire of surrogacy with unflinching clarity.

Guajardo’s The Surrogacy follows Yeni (Shaní Lozano), a woman from humble origins, as she becomes entangled with the affluent Huizar family after agreeing to act as their surrogate. The premise is simple but loaded: Yeni needs money to save her father, and the Huizars need an heir. What unfolds is a tense exploration of power dynamics, exploitation, and the legal gray areas surrounding surrogacy in Mexico.

The series shines brightest in its portrayal of Yeni’s psychological unraveling. Lozano delivers a performance that anchors the show, her expressions oscillating between vulnerability and steely determination. The moment Yeni wakes up post-delivery, disoriented and alone in a hospital room, is a standout—Lozano’s wide-eyed confusion speaks volumes without uttering a word. This scene exemplifies the series’ strength: its ability to convey complex emotions through subtle, understated acting.

The Huizar family, led by Carlos (Luis Ernesto Franco) and Julia (Marcela Guirado), are equally compelling. Franco’s portrayal of the morally flexible patriarch is chillingly realistic, his performance a masterclass in portraying a man who justifies his ruthlessness with cold pragmatism. The scene where Carlos calmly explains to Yeni that her services are no longer needed once she delivers is a testament to Franco’s skill—his delivery is so matter-of-fact that it sends shivers down the spine.

Guirado brings a layer of complexity to Julia, a woman desperate for motherhood but willing to exploit anyone to achieve it. Her breakdown scene in the hospital, where she realizes the emotional toll her actions have taken, is raw and unfiltered. Guirado’s ability to switch from cold calculation to vulnerable despair in a matter of moments is impressive.

Supporting performances are solid, though some characters feel underdeveloped. Leticia Calderón, as the Huizar matriarch, adds gravitas to the family dynamic, but her character arc is somewhat predictable. Camila Selser as Fernanda ‘Fer’ Huizar has a few standout moments, particularly in her scenes with Yeni, where their shared history adds depth to their interactions.

Guajardo’s direction is confident and purposeful. She doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of surrogacy, using tight close-ups and long, tense silences to emphasize the power imbalance between Yeni and the Huizars. The series’ cinematography is functional rather than flashy, but it serves the narrative well, focusing on character interactions and emotional beats.

Themes of class disparity and exploitation are woven throughout the series. The Surrogacy doesn’t just explore the ethical dilemmas of surrogacy; it also critiques the systemic issues that allow such exploitation to occur. The legal loopholes in Mexico’s surrogacy laws are highlighted, adding a layer of realism to the drama.

However, The Surrogacy isn’t without its flaws. The pacing stumbles in the middle episodes, bogged down by repetitive power struggles and legal maneuvering that feel more like procedural filler than narrative momentum. Additionally, some secondary characters, such as Minnie West’s Sonia and Fernanda Borches’ character, are underutilized, their arcs feeling truncated or inconsequential.

The series also struggles with tonal consistency. While it excels in its darker moments—such as Yeni’s hospitalization and the Huizars’ ruthless machinations—the occasional forays into melodrama feel out of place. A subplot involving Fernanda ‘Fer’ Huizar (Camila Selser) and her romantic entanglements, while well-acted, distracts from the central narrative without adding substantial depth.

Despite these missteps, The Surrogacy offers a thought-provoking critique of surrogacy’s ethical dilemmas. The series doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of predatory pregnancies, and its exploration of class disparity and legal loopholes is both timely and necessary. It’s a show that will resonate with viewers who appreciate socially conscious dramas with strong performances.

The Surrogacy is for those who enjoy morally complex narratives that challenge societal norms. Fans of shows like The Handmaid’s Tale or Servant will find familiar themes here, but Guajardo’s unique perspective and the series’ Mexican setting add a fresh layer to the genre.

In conclusion, The Surrogacy is a compelling drama that leverages strong performances and a thought-provoking premise to explore the ethical minefield of surrogacy.