Review: Fake Profile (2023) - A Bland Family Drama Infused with Telenovela Essence

Introducing a new era of entertainment, social media and video platforms like YouTube have introduced us to a captivating genre known as "telenovelas." These Latin television soap operas have gained popularity for their exaggerated dramas, theatrical performances, and at times, questionable acting. Joining this landscape is the Colombian Netflix original series, Fake Profile, which fearlessly embraces the essence of this genre. Directed by Catalina Hernández and Klych López, and written by Pablo Illanes, this show ventures into a realm filled with an abundance of unexpected and oddly comedic moments. Let's explore why Fake Profile refuses to slow down and continues to captivate its audience.

At the center of Fake Profile are Carolina Miranda and Rodolfo Salas, portraying the characters of Camilla and Dr. Fernando Castello, respectively. Their journey begins when they connect on a dating app in Las Vegas and instantly hit it off. Their whirlwind romance quickly unfolds, leading them to fall deeply in love within a mere four months. However, the enchantment comes to an abrupt halt when Dr. Fernando Castello mysteriously disappears. Frustrated by the vague explanations she receives, Camilla takes matters into her own hands and travels to Cartagena, Colombia, his home country. Little does she know, the Fernando Castello she encountered is an entirely different man. Thus begins Camilla's quest for the truth, igniting a revenge-driven storyline accompanied by an elaborate and emotionally exhausting family drama.

While Fake Profile presents an alluring cast and aesthetically pleasing visuals, it falls short in certain aspects. Pablo Illanes' screenplay is riddled with issues, primarily stemming from an overabundance of subplots that often remain unresolved. The storyline itself is filled with so many twists and turns that viewers can predict the outcome midway through the series. In an era where shows like Succession thrive on tense family dynamics, Fake Profile lacks the necessary brewing tension. Instead, it feels like the characters are constantly angry at each other, dishonestly manipulating one another without sufficient exploration of their motivations. The overtly dramatic writing and narrative tarnish the viewing experience, leaving viewers longing for a swift resolution. However, the screenplay needlessly prolongs the story, dissecting every minute detail without contributing to the larger narrative. If only Fake Profile had trimmed its runtime, it could have been a more concise and engaging experience.

Additionally, the story itself suffers from numerous plot holes and unanswered questions. Why did Camilla choose to believe the man who cheated on her and his wife? Conversely, why was Adrian so willing to trust a stranger over his long-term partner? These points can be discussed without revealing spoilers, although there is little to spoil, as the story and narrative are rather predictable. Furthermore, the show includes an abundance of gratuitous steamy scenes, seemingly added for titillation purposes without conveying genuine emotion. For instance, there is a subplot involving a video of Camilla uploaded to an adult website, which is hastily forgotten without providing any closure or understanding of the culprits' motives.

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The direction of Fake Profile is often clumsy, as evident in poorly executed scenes that were retained as they were. Crucial moments such as the scuffle between two leading ladies, a car crash involving a husband and wife, and the climactic struggle in the final episode lack finesse, resulting in messy and cringe-inducing sequences.

However, amidst the flaws, one aspect shines through—Angela and Camilla's unwavering determination to defend their independence and choices as women. They remain steadfast in their chosen lifestyles. Unfortunately, the show also perpetuates the stereotype of women engaging in catfights, undermining the potential for female friendship and solidarity. The characters shame each other without questioning the man responsible for the infidelity. As previously mentioned, the story, narrative, and execution closely resemble the tropes of a telenovela. The climax of the show is horrendous, with a last-minute plot twist added purely for shock value. Additionally, the final episode bombards viewers with a surplus of unnecessary revelations, leaving little time to process and comprehend the developments.

Fake Profile suffers from inadequate editing, suggesting that the writer and director were reluctant to bring the show to a close. Many superfluous subplots could have been omitted, as they failed to engage the audience effectively. Sadly, this missed opportunity contributes to the diminishing appeal of the series.

Although the actors' performances initially show promise, the erratic character development inhibits the viewers' ability to fully support or empathize with any particular character. Carolina Miranda as Camilla and Rodolfo Salas as Miguel/Fernando Castello are portrayed with such inconsistency that the audience is left confused. The only actor who manages to evoke genuine emotions is Mauricio Hénao as Adrian. He effectively conveys the pain of someone struggling to trust their partner and ultimately letting go. Unfortunately, the remaining cast members fail to make a lasting impression due to the need to elevate their performances, ultimately detracting from the overall quality of the show.

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In summary, Fake Profile struggles to maintain viewer engagement throughout its narrative, failing to deliver a compelling family drama. What initially appears as a promising storyline takes a detour, deviating from its original plot. As a result, Fake Profile can be avoided unless one seeks indulgence in guilt-tinged entertainment