Look, as a rule I have an issue with straight people writing coming out stories that reads like emotional torture (and most of them do). It’s been done again and again and at this point it is yet another way for a heteronorm to put us in our place. At the same time as a gay person - seeing a well done coming out story is extremely important and at many times cathartic. So I always feel internally torn to shreds when faced with a coming out scene or story. That said, right now I do like what I’m seeing on Suenos de Libertad. The scenes between Marta and her dad have been brutal, but strangely nuanced and with a calm that almost feels eerie. The way he’s so clearly and visibly disgusted with her hits a note and a heartstring I can't remember when the last time I had it played (and I'm glad for it).
Usually homophobia on screen is presented as pure anger and physical and/or verbal violence. This more contained reaction, but one of such deep graphic disgust hits fucking hard, man. There are no loud voices, no screaming, implied barely contained violence, sure, but it is so soul-destroying because of how restrained it is. The calm disgust speaks with more force and clarity than Caps Lock and Comic Sans. But it also leaves room for Marta’s reaction to truly speak volume which is so fucking - well deserved as a viewer (and for her as a character obviously). Her response is equally calm and forceful and as destroyed you felt by Damian's response, she lifts you up and brings you higher than you were to begin with through hers.
And this is what happens when a character gets 100+ episodes to develop, there’s room to fail and then get a second chance to try again, and maybe even more than once. A six part mini-series on Netflix doesn’t give you the same kind of emotional response to the character’s journey, there’s just not enough time for it. But with this there have been. We’ve spent months following these characters, and Marta in particular. You’ve seen her fear her own feelings, you’ve seen her take one step forward and fifteen back, on more than one occasion. Forsaking herself and her relationship with Fina. It hurt, for sure, but that was the point, that’s why now as she’s had the time to develop - it then feels like such a reward to have her stand up for herself and her relationship. Watching her tell her father that “yes, she might be a homosexual, but she won’t let him insult her” or have her just straight up in his face tell him he can fuck right off, because she will not give up her relationship with Fina (not in so many words, but the intent was fucking clear, even for me whose Spanish is…undercooked). I do not as a rule cheer at my television screen, but in silence my heart probably grew a couple of sizes at her calm determination of not allowing anyone, least of all her father, to fuck with her happiness, self-realisation or relationship.
Also, that look in her eyes. I don't think you actually want to make an enemy out of Marta de la Reina, because that anger - she's seemingly never had a reason to tap into it before, but that doesn't mean it's not there. And it definitely doesn't mean you shouldn't fear it or her. Because unlike her unhinged brother, she is both intelligent, creative and strong as fucking hell. I'd say, don't test her, unless you want to fuck around and find out.
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