Netflix's adaptation of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'has captivated audiences, not only for bringing Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece to life but also for sparking what many believe is a paranormal phenomenon; set workers claim they felt the author's spirit during filming.
Since its December 11 release, the series has topped charts in multiple countries, becoming one of the Netflix's most-watched shows.
The production involved over 900 crew members, who immersed themselves so deeply in the story that an unexpected event during the filming of the first episode left them feeling even more connected to the narrative.
"I saw it as a blessing"
Director Alex García revealed in an interview that the first day of shooting focused on a pivotal scene depicting the exodus of Macondo's residents. Despite scouting the location multiple times without incident a sudden gust of wind brought an unanticipated shower of yellow flowers on the day of filming, covering the swamp where the scene was set.
"We had visited that location more than 10 times for logistics, and there were never any flowers," García recalled. "But that day, as we started shooting, a strong wind came, and yellow flowers began falling from the sky, covering the entire swamp."
The owner of the property, who rented the site to the production, was astonished: "He told us, 'Wow, this is so strange. These flowers aren't from this property—they're from another estate quite far away. The wind must have carried them here.'"
For the production team, the moment felt like a sign from García Márquez himself. The author often said, "As long as there are yellow flowers, nothing bad can happen to me."
"I'd like to think it was Gabo—whether satisfied or upset," García reflected. "I saw it as a blessing."
A global success
Since its premiere, the series has been met with critical and audience acclaim, claiming a spot in Netflix's global top 10 for non-English shows.
Critics have praised its ability to translate the novel's rich, complex narrative into a visually stunning format while preserving the magical realism that defines García Márquez's work.
Director Laura Mora and the team faced the enormous challenge of adapting such a beloved story without losing its essence. While not every nuance of the book could be captured, the series effectively conveys the emotional depth and sensitivity that characterize García Márquez's writing.
With visually striking scenes and dialogues that honor the author's distinctive style, the series offers a moving experience for readers and newcomers alike.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
