(Credits: Harald Krichel)

Netflix is on a spree of acquiring rights and producing classic pieces of literature from around the world into exclusive series and films. A miniseries based on the stories of Argentine novelist Mariana Enriquez will begin filming at the end of this month. Titled My Sad Dead, it will consist of four episodes directed by Pablo Larraín.

Pablo Larraín is a Chilean filmmaker known for his work in films such as Neruda, Jackie, and Spencer. The episodes will follow the genre of horror drama, much like Enriquez’s signature style. She believes that the actual demon lies with the hidden horrors of society and not the supernatural. 

Based primarily on the short story of the same name, the series will also contain elements from her other works, such as Julie, A Sunny Place for Shady People and Back When We Talked to the Dead. The synopsis follows a doctor, aged 60, Ema, who can see and hear the dead. She has been able to avoid allowing this ability from understanding the suffering of others. 

Things take a turn when her niece, Julie, who is also able to communicate with the dead in a much more sexual manner, enters her life. A family reunion turns into disturbing incidents that blur the line between the living and the dead. Ema is forced to face her past, her daughter, and other ghosts.

Enriquez is looking forward to the adaptation and is grateful to Larraín for considering her stories for the miniseries. She considers adaptations to be like readings and has high expectations for this one. Describing the process as calm and respectful, Enriquez is glad that, despite its local production in Latin America, Netflix, with its broad reach, will be releasing it. The Vice President of Netflix Latin American Content, Francisco Ramos, is thrilled with this collaboration, calling it a natural fit. He believes that it will add great value to their lineup of content. 

The miniseries will feature Mercedes Morán, Dolores Fonzi, and Alejandra Flechner. The exterior locations will be filmed in Buenos Aires, while the interiors will be shot in Santiago, Chile. The Larraín brothers’ production company, Fabula, will contribute to the making of this miniseries.

Director Larraín has expressed his excitement about the series. He is enamoured by Enriquez’s brilliant visual writing, which carries a tone of danger. He believes this adaptation will inspire many future film and television adaptations. Larraín is elated to be presented with this opportunity to work with an excellent team and hopes to make the best miniseries possible.