The Spanish series "The Snow Girl" discusses the ethical boundaries of a journalist's role in addressing issues related to their personal interests. While journalists generally avoid cases related to their personal interests, they have a professional and humanitarian obligation to address cases of injustice that they encounter in their work, especially if they have personal experience with the issue. The text raises the question of whether journalists have the right to act as judges in such cases, in the absence of a judiciary.
The Paradox of "The Snow Girl": A Gripping Spanish Series on Netflix Based on Javier Castillo's Novel.
The Netflix series "The Snow Girl" is part of a Spanish novel series by Javier Castillo, and is currently being aired on the platform. The show presents a sharp paradox as journalism student Mirren (Melina Smit) begins her training at a local newspaper, coinciding with the kidnapping of four-year-old Amaya Alfaro during a popular celebration. Mirren is given the opportunity to join the team covering the incident after initially being rejected by the editor-in-chief.
Following her intuition after being violated and filmed by a group of assailants, the trainee journalist is the only one who doesn't forget the case along with the parents. However, things take a surprising turn when the unknown kidnapper sends a video of the now grown-up child to the journalist, with a recommendation to deliver it to her parents. While the police are unable to reach the kidnapper, the journalist takes it upon herself to confront him.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the mother of the kidnapped child is a gynecologist who was unable to treat a patient for infertility. The patient kidnapped the child to raise as her own daughter and has hidden her from the public eye for ten years. The kidnapper is an obsessed woman who goes to great lengths to keep the child hidden and kills anyone who sees the girl to avoid being exposed.
The series is based on Javier Castillo's Spanish novel of the same name, published in 2019 and translated into English in 2021. The novel has been praised for its complex plot and skillful use of suspense. The show remains true to the novel's narrative format, using flashbacks to introduce new characters related to the story. The kidnapping scene becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative, with all subsequent events stemming from it.
The makers of the series have managed to faithfully transfer the written words into moving images, maintaining the sincerity of the novel's narrative format. The use of flashbacks in the show allows the audience to piece together the story's intricacies and unravel the mystery behind the kidnapping.
As the story progresses, the tension builds, and the stakes are raised as the journalist races against time to find the kidnapped child before it's too late. The show's intense pacing and unexpected twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
"The Snow Girl" is a thrilling and well-executed adaptation of Javier Castillo's novel, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and drama to create an engaging and thought-provoking series. With its strong performances, gripping storyline, and masterful use of suspense, "The Snow Girl" is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.
Exploring the Complexity of Human Behavior and Societal Institutions in a Gripping Series.
Melina Smit presented Mirren, a journalist in training and the professional stage, with conscious and confident embodiment of the process of transformation from weakness and humiliation that appeared in flashback scenes (in reverse) evoked by her memory in moments of assault, to an iron will to find the child who had been kidnapped for 10 years.
The young woman moved forward towards fully detecting the child's captors, and with each step in the search for Amaya's kidnappers, she advanced two steps in the search for those who had assaulted her. The series presented an ambitious race to expose criminals in two cases that are linked not only by a young journalist but also by a mental and emotional rhythm that pushes the viewer's emotions to their climax.
In the local Spanish newspaper, the editor-in-chief treats his colleagues and subordinates with friendly courtesy but becomes decisive when required and turns into an impregnable bulwark when threats approach. This was evident when he responded to journalists and media professionals who wanted to follow up on Mirren's accusation of killing and burning two criminals who participated in the execution and marketing of the assault tapes.
The young journalist did not play the role of an observer of events but rather played an active role and a party to the case, exceeding her role twice. Firstly, when she sentenced and executed the criminals by burning them, and secondly, when she played the role of the police, risking herself and confronting the kidnapper to retrieve the kidnapped child. The creative metaphor pushed the journalist to the bench of the judge, the executioner, and the police officer to express the fall of the systems of law and justice into the wrong hands.
The filmmakers succeeded in portraying the life of the kidnapper and her husband, and the choice of location and surroundings, which were neither completely desert nor completely green, was in line with the strangeness of the woman who was always ready to kill for the love of motherhood.
The work succeeded in presenting a harsh metaphor represented in the change of the condition of the child who was kidnapped, named Amaya, and had red hair. After 10 years, she appeared without memories of the tenderness of her parents, alienated from them, and carried the name of Julia with black hair, confirming that this long separation cannot leave things as they were, even if that is the truth.
At the same level of cruelty, the couple separated despite their love after the kidnapping of their daughter, their despair of her return, and the explosion of their marital relationship. This kidnapping revealed their failure to comply with the requirements of the institution of marriage and thus their failure to protect the child.
The series' portrayal of the kidnapping and its aftermath served as a commentary on the failure of societal institutions, such as law enforcement and marriage, to protect vulnerable individuals. Mirren's actions, while extreme, were a reflection of the frustration and helplessness that can arise when these institutions fail.
The series also explored themes of identity and the impact of trauma on the human psyche. Amaya's transformation into Julia highlighted the profound effects that trauma can have on an individual's sense of self, as well as the role that memory plays in shaping one's identity. The filmmakers' use of visual symbolism, such as the change in hair color, further emphasized these themes.
Overall, the series was a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human behavior and societal institutions. Its skilled storytelling and nuanced character development made for a gripping and emotionally charged viewing experience.
Snow Girl: A Gripping Tale Told Through Flashbacks.
Using flashbacks, the director takes the audience on a journey through time to explain the history of a crisis or to portray a character's experience. However, in the series "Snow Girl," this technique walks a fine line between captivating the audience with the creator's brilliance and risking their boredom by rehashing the story through a single character.
The new form of "flashback" in this work features three distinct tales, each with its own heroes: the first tale focuses on the parents, the second on the journalist, and the third on the kidnapper. The final episode provides solutions and reveals all the relevant documents related to the mysteries of the kidnapping and murder.
Each of the three tales is presented in the form of a film, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the story and characters. Through these films, the audience gains a deeper understanding of the crisis and the motivations behind each character's actions.
In the first film, the story of the parents is told, shedding light on the events leading up to the crisis. The audience sees how their decisions and actions set the stage for the eventual kidnapping and murder.
The second film focuses on the journalist who investigates the case, providing insight into the efforts to uncover the truth and the challenges faced along the way.
The third film delves into the mind of the kidnapper, exploring the motives and thought processes that led to their heinous actions. This film is particularly powerful in its portrayal of the psychological complexities of the kidnapper.
In the final episode, all the pieces of the puzzle come together, revealing the full scope of the crisis and the truth behind the kidnapping and murder. The use of flashbacks throughout the series helps tie together all the different elements of the story, providing a cohesive narrative that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
Overall, the new form of "flashback" used in "Snow Girl" proves to be an effective storytelling device that keeps the audience engaged while providing a deeper understanding of the crisis at hand. The use of multiple films and characters helps to add depth and complexity to the story, making it an unforgettable viewing experience.
