Último Primer Día

Nowadays there is a huge variety of youth representation in tv series and films. The thing is, ¿how should this youth be represented to achieve actual truth in film?

Ultimo Primer Día, deals with a group of teenagers that are forced to face a criminal investigation in which they are undeniably involved - a well presented main structure which will provide the main characters a vigorous and complex arrangement of given circumstances for them to explore the many possibilities of experiences in their last year of high school.

There are many ways to explore this narrative proposal, and the series does so in an extremely clever and careful way. The group of main characters are facing their future that arises from ahead, involving new responsibilities, unexpected obligations, astonishing impulses... and the plot actually provides an eye-opener revelation to them. Therefore, regarding the storyline, this series has it all: crime, sex, romance, doubt, expectations, adrenaline. Youth on its peak of expression.

The characters are forced to confront to their surroundings, and through them, the spectator does so. And I believe that is the most interesting way of representing youth in film: when the spectator is able to follow and experience what the characters are facing, without minding their actual age, that is a complete narrative achievement.

Because youth is all about experiences, feelings, affections, passions, truth. And these characters will come-up against all of these themes, providing a fascinating and stimulating experience to the spectators that follow them on their thought-provoking journey.

This series tells an intriguing and stimulating story in which a group of teenagers have to deal with a major crime involving their teacher and a single mom which fights to get to grips with her daughter's sudden death while still working on the investigation involving the kids.

Everything that happens in the plot has an impact on the spectator since it deals with contemporary themes such as gender issues, female empowerment, and drug and power abuse.

Each character has a specific purpose in the story and their relationships, - carefully created as the episodes conclude - will cautiously impact on the viewer. The different points of view from the various characters - which are involved in different life situations, either economically or socially- is a very efficient tool chosen to allow the spectator to choose their very own path of understanding

The series is filled with interesting narrative ideas, captivating plot points and stimulating conflicts.

What a plot! I couldn't stop watching till the very last episode.

The scenario in which the main young characters are forced to grow and evolve works perfectly for the plot: a calm coastal neighborhood that hides the deepest secrets of the people that live there, and provides an enigma that will work perfectly as the series' narrative skeleton. The contrast between the serene overall atmosphere and the unexpected disturbance due to a teacher's murder will catch the spectator from the very start.

Every episode provides a new point of view depending on the characters that handle the narration of the story that leads to the murder. And therefore, every episode is a new and unexpected dramatic piece. Every time you are waiting for something to happen, only the opposite does, creating a sense of constant adrenaline and thrill.

As a fellow "Rio Platense" living abroad, I was so thrilled to read about this production. I launched and binge-watched in two days, the 28 minute episodes were watchable and very entertaining but it all went downhill after episode 5 and never recovered momentum. Won't give any spolilers but the best acting came from the "one" the rest was pedestrian and very pefunctory. My hope became toxic towards the end when I realised that the series would never reach the depth it promised.

It is not regrettable- photography and aesthetics keep it quite appealing specially if you are bedridden with COVID.

A 6 out of 10.