With backgrounds in acting, Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo—lovingly known in their native Spain as Los Javis—launched their careers as co-writer-directors in the Madrid theatre scene with the 2013 underground musical La llamada, which they went on to adapt for the screen with 2017's Holy Camp! Since then they have proven to be a formidable—not... Continue Reading →
The Queer Review 2021 – LGBTQ+ highlights of the year
With the end of this challenging year in sight, we asked some friends of The Queer Review, including prominent creators, performers, artists, and activists to share the LGBTQ+ culture or events that sustained, stimulated, or inspired them in 2021. The eclectic list features two deserving mentions for a Spanish-language limited TV series that was released... Continue Reading →
Exclusive Interview: Veneno star Lola Rodríguez “there were thorns still buried in me that doing this series helped pull out”
November saw the US premiere of Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's stunning limited series Veneno which lovingly and masterfully weaves an epic tapestry based on the life of Spanish trans icon Cristina “La Veneno” Ortiz. At the heart of the series, alongside the figure of La Veneno herself, is a compelling, beautifully layered performance by... Continue Reading →
TV Series: Veneno ★★★★★
Creators Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrosi, who also direct six out of the eight episodes in this stunning HBO Max co-production limited series, lovingly and masterfully weave an epic tapestry of the life of Spanish trans icon Cristina "La Veneno" Ortiz (Daniela Santiago, Isabel Torres), based on her memoirs, Not A Whore, Not A Saint,... Continue Reading →
