Some Cuban viewers are already familiar with the series, as the HD channel broadcast it a few years ago; but for a large part of the audience, it's new: starting this Thursday, Cubavisión presents, in its primetime slot after the news reels, the telenovela What a Beautiful Thing (Coisa Mais Linda, Netflix, 2019), a Brazilian production set in the mid-20th century.

The story takes place between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, in a context marked by profound cultural, social, and musical transformations. There, the rise of bossa nova serves as the backdrop for a story that prioritizes human conflicts and personal ambitions.

At the heart of the plot is Maria Luiza, known as Malu, a young woman whose life crumbles when her husband leaves her. This breaking point drives her to reinvent herself in a city that, while vibrant, is also hostile to a single woman.

The overall theme of the work revolves around female emancipation. Through its protagonists, the series explores the challenges women face in a patriarchal society, as well as their struggles for economic independence, professional fulfillment, and emotional freedom.

But it’s not just an individual story. The narrative expands into a collective portrait where different female experiences converge, marked, moreover, by racial and social inequalities.

The cast is led by Maria Casadevall, who portrays Malu with remarkable skill. Alongside her, Pathy Dejesus, Fernanda Vasconcellos, and Mel Lisboa stand out, forming a female quartet of great dramatic weight.

The male performances also excel, complementing the web of relationships without weakening from the female universe that drives the series.

From a production standpoint, the series demonstrates a high standard.

The historical reconstruction is one of its greatest achievements, with meticulous art direction encompassing costumes, set design, and atmosphere.

The cinematography employs a warm and luminous palette that reinforces the nostalgic and elegant tone of the story. This is complemented by a soundtrack where bossa nova is not merely background music, but an essential part of the narrative discourse.

As for its reception, Cosa más linda was well-received by both audiences and critics. Its aesthetics, music, and the development of complex female characters were particularly praised.

However, some reviews pointed out certain ups and downs in the dramatic development, especially in its second season. Even so, the general agreement recognizes its merits as an attractive offering within the contemporary Latin American catalog.

While we await the next long-running soap opera, this series could prove to be a worthwhile option. The high production standards, along with the inclusion of socially conscious themes in a colorful presentation with excellent music, make it a compelling alternative.

It will air Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, after the evening news reel, with several rebroadcasts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff