Original Title: Siempre Bruja

Year: 2019

Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama

Duration: 40min per episode

Cast: Sebastián Eslava, Carlos Quintero, Angely Gaviria

An Enchanting Premise with Lingering Shadows

"Always a Witch" (Original Title: Siempre Bruja) unfurls a compelling premise: a 17th-century witch, Carmen, escapes a pyre by time-traveling to modern-day Cartagena, all to save her beloved from a dark spell. This Netflix original series, directed by Ana María Parra Vázquez, immediately captivates with its vibrant setting and ambitious blend of historical fantasy and contemporary drama. While the concept is undeniably alluring, the execution often grapples with its own ambitious scope, leading to a viewing experience that is both charming and occasionally frustrating.

Plot, Pacing, and Temporal Jumps

The central narrative thrust – Carmen's quest to save her love, Cristóbal, while navigating the baffling complexities of the 21st century – is inherently engaging. The series excels at the "fish out of water" trope, extracting humor and poignant moments from Carmen's encounters with technology, fashion, and social norms. Each 40-minute episode offers a relatively brisk pace, which is often a strength, keeping the plot moving forward. However, this briskness sometimes comes at the cost of deeper character development or a more thorough exploration of the intricate rules of its time-travel and magic systems. The 'dark rival' element, while providing necessary conflict, at times feels underdeveloped, lacking the profound menace required to truly elevate the stakes.

Character & World-Building

Carmen is a charismatic lead, imbued with a powerful sense of conviction and a captivating resilience. Her struggle to maintain her true identity in a world that has forgotten – or fears – witches is a strong thematic thread. The supporting cast, while not extensively detailed in their profiles, generally contributes to the lively backdrop of modern Cartagena. The series shines in its depiction of the Colombian city, using its historical charm and bustling present to great effect, creating a vibrant canvas for Carmen's magical mishaps and triumphs. Yet, the supernatural elements, particularly the witch hierarchy and powers, sometimes feel inconsistent, leaving viewers wishing for a clearer, more defined magical rulebook.

Themes and Overall Impression

"Always a Witch" delves into themes of love, sacrifice, destiny, and the timeless struggle against prejudice. It thoughtfully touches upon the power of female bonds and the challenges of cultural assimilation. The series is visually appealing, boasting colorful cinematography that highlights Cartagena's beauty. While it doesn't always hit every narrative beat with perfect precision, particularly in how it balances its various plot threads, its undeniable charm, unique premise, and the effervescent performance of its lead ensure it leaves a lasting, if sometimes uneven, impression. It's a series that dares to be different, offering a lighthearted yet emotionally resonant journey for those willing to embrace its magical world. 

What aspects of Carmen's journey from the 17th century to modern Cartagena did you find most compelling, or perhaps, most challenging to believe?