Netflix ’s new Mexican drama series, THE ACCIDENT, was created by Leonardo Padrón, who also wrote THE MARKED HEART. The cast is Anna Claudia Talancón, Eréndira Ibarra, and Erick Elias. The show delves into the harrowing consequences of a tragic incident at a child’s birthday party. The plot narrates the life of a wealthy couple, Daniela (Ana Claudia Talancón) and Emiliano (Sebastián Martínez), and it opens with the birthday party of their young son, Rodrigo. This turns into a sad occasion when a bolt of wind brings about a terrible disaster where three children are killed on the spot. As a result, the parents are quit with feelings of guilt and blame and so many more questions that remain unanswered.
As the parents of the community come to terms with the tragedy, blame begins to circulate. Emiliano who was on a business call during the event has been charged with negligence. Conversely, the character of Moncho who is a housekeeper of the parents is seen supplying alcohol during the party and this makes the audience oust him as suspect. Not even Moncho’s wife Yolanda played by Lozano whose hatred towards her employers had been building up can be spared of this stifling scrutinization. The series follows a dark storyline that depicts a devastating situation that turns a small and tight-knight community against each other, all taking place during a birthday celebration. The storyline feels real and relatable, especially in its portrayal of grief and blame. Let’s discuss whether this story is based on true events.
IS THE ACCIDENT (2024) BASED ON A TRUE STORY?
Netflix’s Mexican drama series, THE ACCIDENT is not based on real events. The story is entirely fictional, and it is not adapted from a book. The series was written by Venezuelan screenwriter Leonardo Padrón who has a tendency to film serials that focus on portraying characters. “Life can change in a second,” Padrón said in a social media post, as he released a trailer for his new work.
The show may seem to be based in the real world, but it is actually a fictional show to deal with some other emotional issues. Padrón wished to depict the further development of this topic as the basis for the analysis of people’s behaviour in cases of personal grief. By deciding to follow only four families he was able to illustrate how different individuals can react to a traumatic situation. In this case, this approach helps to turn THE ACCIDENT into a multi-layered mystery thriller with human culpability as one of the focus aspects. During an interview with PRODU, Padrón revealed even more about the emotional aspect of the series.
The series, directed by Gracia Querejeta and Klych López, the series offers a complex portrayal of how the families of the survivors come to terms with an unfortunate loss. The accident serves as the trigger for exposing deeper problems, starting with marital and interpersonal ones. In an interview with PRODU, Padrón shared that the show expanding the narrative of the series beyond the event of the accident but more on the interiority of a family mourning, rage, and faith. He stated that the misfortune impacts a family in two folds, it can either separate the family or make them stronger, an element that brings more reality to the story.
“An accident is essentially a catalyst for exploring deeper issues, such as how we cope with and recover from personal tragedies. Humans are incredibly resilient, a fact that’s well-documented. I’m focusing on four families to examine how they respond differently to a shared ordeal. This approach is compelling because it combines elements of a thriller, with numerous mysteries to unravel. Accidents often have a human element, and in this case, there’s a clear indication of human responsibility for the incident,” Padrón explained.
THE ACCIDENT is more than the event that has happened or has caused a number of deaths it has more to do with survivors’ coping strategies, grieving as well as their interpersonal relationships. The deeper issues in the show are issues that touch on faith, relationships, and often the fight of the human spirit.
From what Padrón describe knowing that the film is full of surprises perfect for a thrilling view for the climax. “The plot is quite complex with so many tricks and surprises that spectators will not expect something like that,” Padrón added. I ensured that I postured a lot of time in structuring the narrative in such a way that the viewers will be taken through an emotional rollercoaster.
That is why, it is crucial to mark that though THE ACCIDENT was not created as the result of the idea based on the actual and unique event, the play raises the theme, which is rather usual and may happen to every person: the problem of suffering, a need to find someone to blame. In different episodes of the series, the focus is paid to the fact that tragedy shows the people’s nature, brings the evident or latent problems in couples and households and defines the ethical and psychological endurance of everyone.
Ultimately, THE ACCIDENT was not inspired by a true story but captures the common themes of mourning and seeking justice. Thus, the fictional storyline of the series invites viewers to consider the role of tragedy in uncovering people’s secrets, as well as how it can transform the relationships and people themselves
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