Santita Review
Director: Rodrigo García
Date Created: 2026-04-22 17:52
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Santita Review: Directed by Rodrigo García, this Netflix Mexican drama series spans 7 episodes, each running around 35 minutes. The show stars Paulina Dávila as Santita, Gael García Bernal as Alejandro, alongside Ilse Salas, Erik Hayser, Sally Quiñonez, Álvaro Guerrero, Marco de la O, Martín Altomaro and others.
Santita Review
The show revolves around María José Cano, who goes by the name Santita, an individual who was once a promising doctor but now has to face a harsh reality where she suffers from a disability due to an accident. Some time ago, she had to walk away from her own wedding, leaving behind the man she loved and who loved her. In the current times, much after all those years, she finally gets a chance to see him once more, making her understand that there is no running away from her emotions anymore.
Netflix series Santita proves to be quite interesting because everything about María seems to be authentic. From her guilt-ridden moments, stubbornness, vulnerability, and penchant for self-destructing – all of it feels realistic enough. The series does not try to present her as a heroine who deserves veneration. Rather, her gaming addiction and distant attitude may sometimes prove to be infuriating, but still make her seem relatable. It is not a perfect character that you should just take in as she is.
Paulina Dávila’s portrayal of Santita drives the show with her ability to project an intense presence without appearing too overbearing. The actor’s rendition of Santita is one that is strong yet weak, self-sufficient yet lonely. This character is full of contradictions, and it has been portrayed well despite the fact that the plot begins to wane at some point.
However, on the other hand, it is the inherent charisma of the actor which has made the character of Alejandro endearing. He seems to have this aura of wanting something to be resolved, and this has been portrayed by Gael in a very subtle manner. The chemistry between Gael and Dávila is excellent, especially at the beginning of the episodes, where the past is shown.
But what really makes Santita stumble is its ability to tell a story. The basic idea is nice; two people reconnect after a lot of time apart because of the mistakes both have made in the past. However, there comes a point when the plot finds it difficult to maintain suspense throughout. There seems to be a perfect build-up, slowly unravelling the mystery of Santita and her mental state.
The second half of the Mexican drama Santita, however, takes on a rather predictable turn. The conversation is about some emotional issues, but it does not add anything new to the story. While the theory of slow development sounds quite good, it tends to get a bit too boring at times. It appeared to me like the story was maintaining suspense more than progressing at some points.
Having all these factors into account, however, I can definitely say that I do appreciate the approach the Netflix’s Santita series takes in dealing with its themes, particularly those related to disability and identity. Unlike many characters in most television series, Santita is not portrayed as a mere prop used to advance the storyline or something to sympathise over because of her physical limitation; instead, it is but one among the other characteristics that define her as a whole.
There is a distinct atmosphere that runs through the visual presentation of the series. It has this somewhat dark or noir quality, especially when the director tries to convey the emotional state of the character Santita. It gives the show a certain level of polish despite an inconsistent script.
One other thing that could be said about the Netflix series Santita is how it lies somewhere in the middle of a love story and a psychological drama, but it does not become one of the two completely. It has some traits of both types, but its absence of the urgent plot makes it not as powerful as it might have been. There is always a desire to see something happen where all the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly together.
Netflix Santita Review: Summing Up
Overall, Santita can be considered an entertainment that relies less on narration and more on performance. The concept is quite interesting, and the main character is well-crafted, although there remains an element missing from the story. There are definite merits to this series, including real emotions and excellent acting that may resonate with those who like contemplative dramas.
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