Neon Review: The musical comedy series on Netflix is directed by Eli Gonda and Max Searle and written by Shea Serrano. The series stars Tyler Dean Flores as Santi, Emma Ferreira as Ness, Jordan Mendoza as Felix, Courtney Taylor as Mia, Jessie Camacho as Ynez, Michelle Cortés as Sofia, Pedro De Leon as Terrance, Gabo Olmeda as Stage Hand, Nicole Diane Rios as Lucía and others. There are 8 episodes, with a runtime ranging from 25 to 30 minutes, respectively.
Watch the Neon Trailer Below
Neon Plot
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, the series unfurls the compelling narrative of three close-knit friends who embark on a life-altering journey from a quaint Florida town to the pulsating heart of the reggaeton music scene. Their collective aspiration to conquer the reggaeton realm forms the cornerstone of this gripping tale, weaving together dreams, passion, and unbreakable bonds. Immersed in the trials and triumphs of an aspiring reggaeton luminary, they bear witness to the relentless pursuit of fame and the myriad challenges that lie in wait.
– Netflix Neon Review Contains Mild Spoilers –
Neon Review
The series starts with three close friends: Santi, an immensely gifted reggaeton artist whose song has become a monumental hit, yet he’s known to the world as an internet star; Nass, the astute music manager; and Felix, the imaginative creative director. These three have been inseparable since childhood, united by their grand aspirations to conquer Miami’s reggaeton scene, believing Santi holds the potential to become the next luminary in the realm of reggaeton. But soon, they face the harsh reality of being an emerging artist and realize that his brilliant plan is not as easy to pull off as they imagined.
In this portrayal, the world may initially seem bedazzled with glitz and glamour, yet it quickly becomes evident that this is far from the truth. As Santi endeavours to integrate himself into the industry, he grapples with the gritty realities that underlie it all. The series boldly exposes the shadowy side of PR, unmasking the pretence that permeates the music industry, where authenticity often takes a backseat to the image. However, everything felt like it was in a little rush without delving much into the details of the consequences that people go through.
The story could’ve really come alive by diving into the rich, nuanced layers of the reggaeton world, going beyond its surface portrayal. Even though it showers praise on celebrity appearances like Jowell, Jhayco, Daddy Yankee, and others, it barely scratches the surface of what makes this genre special and, most importantly, why it means so much to Santi. This gap leaves uncharted territory when it comes to the unique qualities that distinguish this corner of the music industry from the stories told elsewhere.
Due to the allure of the industry, Santi even begins to ignore his friends as they try to prevent him from making mistakes. He believes they are jealous of his newfound success, as he is on the verge of becoming a significant figure. However, the tensions between them are resolved almost as quickly as they arise, eventually fizzling into nothing. The series did include a subplot involving a drug trafficking lady who signed a contract with Santi, but that plot also seemed to get lost in the middle somewhere.
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It could have been more interesting if it showed conflicts and contradictions within the scene. While it did attempt to portray how big artists and labels try to sabotage newcomers’ careers, that theme didn’t persist. Santi tried to be rebellious, refusing to let others steal his song. The moment the label threatened to sue him and claimed he could never sing or perform again, he received a call from his biggest inspiration, who wanted to collaborate with him. Which didn’t feel like a struggle at all.
Nevertheless, in each episode, Shea Serrano beautifully portrays the challenges of breaking into the music business. Santi’s struggles resonate with anyone familiar with the grind towards success in any industry. Along Santi’s path to stardom, we encounter various obstacles, from an assistant masquerading as someone they’re not to a journalist nursing a grudge and record executives looking out for their own interests. Neon succeeds in painting a vivid portrait of ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of stardom in the reggaeton world, even if it leaves some narrative threads dangling.
Neon Review: Final Thoughts
Neon offers a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant and cutthroat world of the reggaeton music scene, showcasing the dreams and struggles of three determined friends. The series unflinchingly peels back the layers of glamour to reveal the gritty reality that underlies the industry. However, it falls short of fully immersing viewers in the rich complexities of this musical realm, leaving untapped potential in exploring what sets reggaeton apart.
You can watch all episodes of Neon 2023 now on Netflix.
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