This HBO Show Is So Weird, It’s Genius

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Julio Torres has swiftly emerged as one of comedy’s most distinctive and riotous innovators, with his eccentric Saturday Night Live sketches such as “Papyrus” and “Wells for Boys,” along with his on-screen appearances in 2019’s Los Espookys and stand-up special My Favorite Shapes. The year 2024 saw his career reach new heights, marked by the premiere of his first feature film, Problemista, in March, followed closely by HBO’s Fantasmas in June.

The first season of “Fantasmas,” consisting of six episodes, ended in July. Since then, there’s been no clear indication whether it will continue or not from HBO. Neither a cancellation nor renewal has been announced, and creator Torres seems somewhat undecided about the series’ return. However, if Torres is open to it, “Fantasmas” definitely deserves a second season in any format it might take. This show is an exceptionally original and consistently humorous series that clearly reflects its creator’s touch, and its surreal humor effectively conveys some insightful truths about the immigrant experience in America.

‘Fantasmas’ Explores the Reality of Life in the US as a Non-Citizen

In “Fantasmas,” Torres plays the character Julio, a fictionalized version of himself who resides in a peculiar New York City flat shared with his robot assistant Bibo (portrayed by Joe Rumrill). The show’s casual narrative follows Julio on his quest to locate a unique diamond earring shaped like an oyster that he misplaced in a nightclub. This search leads him to various clues, and as the deadline for finding a new apartment approaches, he must grapple with the impending reality of having to move.

In a playful yet candid manner, Fantasmas unmasks the labyrinthine and frequently conflicting journey faced by non-citizens in understanding and participating in American society. For instance, Julio’s quest for a new apartment necessitates acquiring a unique “proof of existence” ID card, yet he must prove his existence to receive this official document that verifies it, creating a perplexing catch-22 situation, reminiscent of the struggle of having to possess years of experience to apply for an entry-level job.

This resonates and intensifies in the character of Edwin (Bernardo Velasco from Los Espookys), who lives on the very edges due to his undocumented status as a delivery driver. His friend and agent, Vanesja (Martine Gutierrez, a frequent collaborator of Torres), tries to assist him with the immigration process by lining up awkward acting jobs for him. However, as his moving date gets nearer, Edwin keeps getting sidetracked by his quest to find his lost earring.

‘Fantasmas’ Gets Weird with It

However, if you think Fantasmas might seem too somber, it often ventures into whimsical realms that satirize various topics such as reality TV, influencer culture, and the concept of fame. This series, led by Torres, features an array of well-known personalities who add to these unusual and frequently amusing detours. For instance, Steve Buscemi portrays the letter Q, a quirky outcast among common letters, transforming into a heartfelt tribute to New York’s most unabashedly eccentric artists. Aidy Bryant appears in a commercial skit as the proprietor of a company that customizes toilet attire, offering to assess and dress your commode according to its unique style needs.

One frequently debated part of the show features Emma Stone, Cole Escola, Rachel Dratch, and Rosie Perez as main characters, portraying a Real Housewives-like reality show that turns out to be a complex simulation. This is merely a tiny glimpse into the surreal depiction of contemporary life offered by Fantasmas, which amplifies the absurdity of a world that already seems incredibly absurd.

The Future of ‘Fantasmas’

As of now, it remains uncertain whether Fantasmas will continue or not in the future. In an interview with IndieWire following the season finale, Torres expressed a desire to revisit the world of Fantasmas, but wasn’t sure about the specifics. Given the unique style of the series, a traditional second season might not be appropriate, and Torres hinted that any follow-up would probably be something completely new. If he decides to delve deeper, there are numerous quirky corners of New York for him to investigate, and fans of the show definitely hope he will.

Since the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery in 2022, HBO has shifted its focus significantly, concentrating on extending its parent company’s existing intellectual properties as earlier series come to an end. This transformation, while understandable, is somewhat saddening to observe, considering HBO was instrumental in shaping what a television series could achieve, initiating the golden age of “prestige TV” that produced some of the most remarkable works in the medium. This new direction makes shows like Fantasmas all the more unique and deserving of preservation.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel excited whenever an artist with a singular voice, such as Torres, manages to bring their unique vision to life in the mainstream world of Hollywood, which often seems to be growing more risk-averse by the day. HBO has always been a leader in pushing boundaries and showcasing original programming, and it’s crucial that we continue to support creator-driven projects in this business model that’s becoming less friendly to creators. Fingers crossed that HBO will invest in another journey through Torres’ quirky and captivating New York City, but even if they don’t, I’m confident he’ll find plenty of other creative outlets to keep him busy.

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2025-01-27 06:32