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Fantasmas: Where to Watch the New Show & Is It Good?

Fantasmas: Where to Watch the New Show & Is It Good?
Image credit: HBO

Fantasmas can feel a little too weird, but you just have to feel the vibe.

On June 7, a very unusual series dropped. Fantasmas is a project by Julio Torres, who acted as screenwriter, showrunner and director, as well as playing the lead role.

Previously, Torres became famous as a stand-up comedian, one of the writers of Saturday Night Live and the series Los Espookys. Moreover, Torres created the movie Problemista, where he also played himself.

Fantasmas is one of the strangest and most surreal series of recent years.

What Is Fantasmas About?

The main plot of Fantasmas is built on the logic of a dream, and all this is complemented by sketches with extremely strange humor and A-list guest stars. But surprisingly, in the madness that happens on screen, you can find many touching, realistic moments.

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Julio works as... who knows. In the very first episode, he comes to a company where he offers to make transparent chalk and call it "fantasmas."

The main character has a robotic assistant, Bibo, who uses x-ray vision to read the owner's mail. And Julio also has Vanesja, a talent agent.

The main plot (if you can call it that) is that Julio buys an earring in the shape of an oyster, which exactly matches the shape and size of the mole on his neck. But he soon loses the jewelry. Then Julio goes to the doctor because he is sure that the mole is growing. The doctor disagrees, so Julio tries to find the earring — it will help prove that his mole is actually growing.

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At the same time, Julio has to move to a new apartment, but he needs a special card that confirms Julio's existence. But he refuses to get this document.

Fantasmas Is a One-of-a-Kind TV Experience

So how is it that this show with such a weird plot has an almost perfect 96% on Rotten Tomatoes? First of all, Fantasmas is the most unpredictable show out there — it's a perfect introduction to surrealism and absurdist humor.

Second, Fantasmas is beautifully filmed: the sets are reminiscent of Lars von Trier's films, and each character has their own bright style. And if you don't like people, it's impossible not to fall in love with the robot Bibo.

Fantasmas has been overlooked, but it definitely deserves to become a cult classic. If not for the huge number of bold ideas hidden in the shell of a surreal comedy, then thanks to the big stars in episodic roles.

Where to Stream Fantasmas?

You can watch Fantasmas on Max.