Julio Torres, known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "Los Espookys," has created a new HBO series called "Fantasmas," premiering Friday.
"Fantasmas," written, directed, and starring Torres, is an absurdist comedy that blends a fantastical quest with social commentary. The show follows Torres's character, Julio, on a mission to find a lost golden oyster earring. Throughout his journey, he faces constant challenges from modern-day bureaucracies and technological impediments, highlighting the absurdity of societal systems. The narrative is interspersed with surreal comedic vignettes featuring stars like Emma Stone, Steve Buscemi, Dylan O’Brien, Rosie Perez, and Aidy Bryant.
Torres described "Fantasmas" as a mix of dark humor and genuine emotion, exploring themes of resistance against systemic constraints. The series is noted for its commentary on representation and the impact of bureaucracy on individuality. Notable story arcs include Julio's struggle to obtain "proof of existence," a metaphor for societal validation, and his interactions with various bizarre characters, such as an elf suing Santa Claus and a femme fatale agent played by Martine Gutierrez.
The show is a departure from Torres's previous lighter works like "Problemista," reflecting a more mature and incisive outlook.