In February 2009, the musical that would change Mexican pop culture forever premiered: Mentiras, el Musical. With 4,000 performances to its credit, a tenure of more than a decade on the billboards, and even a drag show (Mentidrags), it is one of the longest-running and most resonant theatrical productions in Latin America. By José Manuel López Velarde, the play about four women, a web of lies, and a mysterious murder, is structured as a great potpourri and pays tribute to the best Spanish pop music of the eighties.

Now, more than 15 years after its theatrical premiere, Mentiras, el Musical, arrives on Prime Video’s screen in series format, with a mix of great talents in front of and behind the camera. Created and directed by Gabriel Ripstein, the same mind behind the boxing series La Máquina and the renowned film 600 Millas, the television adaptation of Mentiras, not only recreates the essence of the theatrical story, but reimagines it with ingenuity. The 8-episode series is now available in its entirety on the streaming platform.

What Is Mentiras, La Serie About?

Set in 1980s Mexico, Mentiras, La Serie tells the story of four women all with the same lover, Emmanuel Mijares (Luis Gerardo Méndez), a classic narcissist. It all begins during his funeral, when they discover each other and each emerge as a suspect in his death.

Daniela, Yuri, Dulce, and Lupita, are the protagonists of this story full of music, suspense, andself-parody. Daniela (Belinda), is a sophisticated trophy wife, who makes the most witty and biting comments. Yuri (Regina Blandón), Daniela and Enmanuel’s best friend, is an efficient lawyer who loses control when she becomes entangled with the deceased. There is also Lupita (Mariana Treviño), Enmanuel’s exuberant secretary, who seems to have a great time being her boss’s accomplice. And finally, we have Dulce (Diana Bovio), who renounces her vocation and very pregnant. Things take a radical turn when the women are forced to live together until they discover which of them is guilty of the murder. “In this adaptation, we will pay tribute to a story and characters that the audience adores and expand their universe,” Ripstein told Variety.

While it is true that discovering the identity of the alleged murderer is the narrative core of Mentiras, La Serie, it is clear that the screenplay by Ripstein, Ilse Apellaniz, Natalia Garcia Agraz, and Mar Novo is also concerned with themes such as betrayal, 1980s gender expectations, and especially, the impact of lies and self-deception. Or as actress Diana Bovio told GQ México, “The worst lies are the ones you tell yourself. If you start by lying to yourself, there’s nothing in your life that can be authentic anymore.”

An Adaptation that Adds Layers

One of the most satisfying things about Mentiras, La Serie is that Ripstein and his team understand the magnitude of López Velarde’s work and strive to pay it homage. As is always the case with adaptations, the stakes are high. But, this new version achieves the most difficult thing: a respectful reinterpretation that without keeps the essence while bringing depth and new layers.

This adaptation stands on its own as an entertaining, well-made, and well-performed show. Like the 2009 musical, the heart of Mentiras, La Serie is its outstanding repertoire of nostalgic pop ballads. Most of the musical numbers move the narrative forward while exploring the characters’ inner yearnings. Prime Video’s reimagining is, above all, a celebration of 1980s pop culture in Mexico, and a wonderful excuse to revel in well-known classics as Castillos, Él Me Mintió, Acaríciame, and others.

Meanwhile, the production design by Antonio Muño-Hierro captures the vibrant, energetic, and retro aesthetics of the era. The visual identity and sets of Mentiras, La Serie, which oscillate between showiness, brightness, and symbolism, emphasize the characters’ emotional states. From the interior design to the rich costumes, each episode is covered with meticulous and thoughtful details.

So, Should I Watch It?

Prime Video, with its focus on introducing international productions, has delivered one of the most endearing and entertaining Mexican series of the first half of the year. For those who yearn to experience this story again or for the first time, Mentiras, La Serie has the makings of a powerful musical series. Ripstein’s adaptation stands out for the strength of its cast, its great vocal moments, and its hilarious laughs. So yes, it does warrant plopping down on the couch for a marathon.