Heists can be exciting if they are told well on the screen. Baby Bandito, a new Chilean series, now streaming on Netflix, aims to do exactly the same.
Netflix says it is inspired by “the biggest heist of the century.” However, the claim is contentious.
Last year, a series called “Everybody Loves Diamonds” was released on Amazon Prime Video. Interestingly, it was also based on “the biggest heist of the century.”
But the premise of both shows is completely different. While the latter was set in Antwerp, the former is placed in Chile.
Nevertheless, Baby Bandito has eight episodes and runs for five hours.
Here is my review.
Baby Bandito Synopsis
A bunch of people team up to execute a robbery worth billions, led by an amateur youngster who is only good at street skating.
Directed by Julio Jorquera Arriagada, Fernando Guzzoni, and Pepa San Martin, the series stars Francisca Armstrong (Genesis), Nicolas Contreras (Kevin Tapia), Pablo Macaya (Panther), Carmen Zabala (Mistica), Lukas Vergara (Panda), Mauricio Pesutic (Carnicero), Marcelo Alonso (Ruso), Mariana Loyola (Ana), and Daniel Munoz (Pedro).
What Works for Baby Bandito?
The beginning of the show is unconventional enough to be mentioned separately.
It stylishly states though Baby Bandito is inspired by real events, the show has been modified for the convenience of both the viewers and the creators.
There is a touch of naive, casual charm that feels inherently linked to the series.
The story is set somewhere in 2014 when a common skater accidentally comes across a robbery plan by professional thieves.
He sees an opportunity to change his fortunes.
Hence, the man gathers a team of amateurs and experts to effect what is allegedly now known as the ‘heist of the century.’
Baby Bandito carries a vibrant storyline with the colors and flair of the hood floating around.
The premise is exciting while the naivety of those at the helm of the robbery enhances the appeal of the tale.
Of late, we have seen astute thieves creating a master plan for a heist. They are so perfect that come what may, their plan is bound to succeed.
However, in Baby Bandito, you are introduced to non-professionals who commit mistakes or rather make blunders that eventually get back to them.
So, the story might not play arousingly, but it does bring something different from the usual flicks.
The screenplay is engaging and flashy. It holds your attention while keeping your interests in mind.
The series is filled with mistakes by youngsters. Probably, one of the most authentic displays of young blood without extreme, superficial adeptness.
How are the Performances?
Nicolas Contreras as Kevin Tapia, the mastermind behind the heist, shrouds himself in a basket of affability. He maintains a childish face one might forgive even after a dreaded mistake.
His strikingly confident yet obstructive demeanor makes the series more compelling. Contreras’ screen presence gives you a reason to stay on the screen despite the show’s flaws.
Francisca Armstrong plays Genesis in Baby Bandito. She effectively deploys her stage skills using streaky expressions to empower the narrative.
Her attitude blends well with the tale to present Genesis as a shady individual despite being on the positive side from the outset.
Lukas Vergara is only second to Nicolas when it comes to innocent charm. He plays Panda and shines all the way through to the very end.
His greenhorn sort of extrovert personality holds you in good spirits. The actor is soothing as a friend and you feel for him as he treads on a fledgling path.
Pablo Macaya impresses as Panther in Baby Bandito. He is one of the few actors who own a serious mien, adding a bright balance to the Chilean show.
His stone-faced, rough display of intricate relational boundaries is at the heart of the series.
Carmen Zabala stunningly depicts Mistica. Maybe, she could have been given a longer screen time. Still, Zabala entertains you with her unassuming characterization.
Marcelo Alonso is one fiery villain who doesn’t give away many facial expressions. He depicts Ruso in this Chilean series and consistently instills fear.
The intensity in his act does the job for Alonso.
What Doesn’t Work for Baby Bandito?
The romantic phase of the show is not amusing enough. It lacks the sumptuousness one would seek from a desired love angle.
Makers seem to be in a hurry to quickly flame romance and instantly extinguish it. As a viewer, it was tough to connect with the lead characters’ love chemistry.
Moreover, the storyline itself has moments of blandness. The over-reliance on “the biggest heist of the century,” costs Baby Bandito dearly.
From the very moment the particular robbery scene is over, you are gasping for something interesting to hold on to.
With the heist, the intrigue also almost leaves the Chilean show.
Furthermore, the protagonists are scattered within the narrative, and although naivety is understandably an essential part of Baby Bandito, some sort of soundness was expected.
A better approach to dealing with the rest of the members might have aided the show.
In other words, the series suffers from a poor execution of the idea.
The concept works and so does its presentation; however, there are fumbling blocks that don’t elevate the primary theme of Baby Bandito.
A bit more depth was the need of the hour.
Stream or Skip?
This one is a bit dicey to judge. It has the power to capture you but I can also say in the same breath that the show doesn’t do justice to its potential.
In any case, Baby Bandito is watchable.
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