HBO's Fantasmas is new and different and uniquely itself
Jun 20, 2024
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Julio Torres, creator and star of HBO's Fantasmas, embarks on a surreal quest for a lost earring in New York City. The series features random encounters with well-known actors in sketch-like vignettes. The show explores themes of art commodification, identity, and societal challenges, while celebrating non-conformity and authenticity in storytelling.
Fantasmas explores queer themes and challenges societal norms through surreal storytelling.
Julio Torres infuses personal truth and queerness into Fantasmas, offering a unique and authentic perspective on creativity.
Deep dives
Fantasmas - A Unique and Surreal Series by Julio Torres
Fantasmas, created by Julio Torres, follows the main character Julio in his quest to find a lost earring in New York City, leading to encounters with eclectic characters in surreal scenarios. The series delves into queer themes and artistic expression, challenging societal norms and exploring the complexities of identity. Through humor and vignettes, Fantasmas addresses issues like commodification of art, white privilege, and outsider status with a sharp and pointed perspective.
Personal Truth and Queer Storytelling in Fantasmas
Julio Torres's approach in Fantasmas reflects his personal truth and queerness, adding a deep sensitivity and defiance to the storytelling. The show delves into emotional truths and moments of self-reflection, resonating with themes of otherness and marginalized identities. By infusing honesty and personal experiences into the narrative, Fantasmas offers a unique and authentic perspective on storytelling and creativity.
Weirdness, Niche Appeal, and Artistic Success in Fantasmas
Fantasmas's eccentricity and niche appeal highlight Julio Torres's commitment to creating unconventional art. The series showcases a balance between mainstream success and staying true to individuality and artistic vision. While questioning the sustainability of such idiosyncratic content, Fantasmas's success lies in its distinctiveness, refusal to conform, and ability to provoke thought on societal issues through surreal and whimsical storytelling.
The brilliant and idiosyncratic new HBO series Fantasmas has a simple plot. Creator and star Julio Torres searches New York City for an earring he lost at a club. In the execution, that quest gets transformed into something epic and surreal and queer in every sense of the word. He keeps bumping into random New Yorkers whose stories play out in a series of sketch-like vignettes. They are played by actors including Emma Stone, Bowen Yang, and Tilda Swinton.