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Julio Torres and ‘Fantasmas’: A Unique Comedy Journey

Julio Torres has swiftly emerged as a distinctive voice in the comedy landscape, known for his unconventional approach to humor. His work includes memorable sketches on Saturday Night Live, such as “Papyrus” and “Wells for Boys,” along with his appearances in the 2019 series Los Espookys and his acclaimed stand-up special My Favorite Shapes. The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for Torres, as he stepped into the director’s role with the launch of Problemista in March, followed by the debut of HBO‘s Fantasmas in June.

The first season of Fantasmas, which comprises six episodes, concluded in July. Since then, its continuation remains ambiguous; HBO has neither canceled nor renewed the show. Torres has expressed some uncertainty about the series’ potential return, but whether he chooses to revisit this world or not, Fantasmas undoubtedly warrants a second season in any format. The series is a refreshingly original blend of humor and introspection, encapsulating the immigrant experience in a uniquely comedic manner.

‘Fantasmas’ Explores the Reality of Life in the US as a Non-Citizen

In Fantasmas, Torres plays a fictionalized version of himself, portraying an artist named Julio who navigates life in a quirky New York City apartment, accompanied by his robot assistant Bibo (voiced by Joe Rumrill). The series follows Julio on his quest to retrieve a diamond earring shaped like an oyster, lost during a night out, while he grapples with the pressing need to find a new home.

Despite its whimsical narrative, Fantasmas candidly reflects the complex and often contradictory challenges faced by non-citizens trying to carve out a place in American society. To secure a new apartment, Julio is required to obtain a “proof of existence” ID card, a task that paradoxically requires him to prove his existence—echoing the all-too-familiar frustration of navigating bureaucratic red tape.

The character of Edwin, portrayed by Los Espookys‘ Bernardo Velasco, adds depth by highlighting the struggles of undocumented individuals living on the fringes. Meanwhile, Julio’s friend and agent Vanesja, played by visual artist Martine Gutierrez, attempts to assist him through the ordeal, offering a string of ridiculous acting jobs that he can’t seem to focus on due to his search for the elusive earring.

‘Fantasmas’ Gets Weird with It

While Fantasmas delves into sobering themes, it also thrives on surrealism, often veering into bizarre territories that satirize various facets of contemporary culture, from reality television to influencer trends. Torres weaves in cameos from notable personalities who contribute to these whimsical tales. For instance, in one memorable scene, Steve Buscemi portrays the letter Q, celebrating New York’s eccentric artistic spirit, while Aidy Bryant assumes the role of a quirky entrepreneur who outfits toilets.

One of the standout segments features Emma Stone, Cole Escola, Rachel Dratch, and Rosie Perez in a Real Housewives-style reality show, which reveals itself to be an elaborate simulation. Such segments underscore Fantasmas’ unique brand of humor, amplifying the absurdities that reflect the complexities of modern life.

The Future of ‘Fantasmas’

The fate of Fantasmas remains undetermined as we look ahead. In an interview with IndieWire, Torres expressed enthusiasm about returning to the show’s universe but acknowledged uncertainty about what such a return would entail. Given the series’ unconventional style, the concept of a traditional season may not align with its essence, suggesting that any future iterations would likely take a different approach. Viewers who appreciate the show look forward to Torres potentially exploring the myriad eccentricities of New York.

Recent shifts in HBO’s programming strategy following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger in 2022 have led to a greater focus on established intellectual properties, which can overshadow original works like Fantasmas. The distinctive nature of shows like this highlights the importance of nurturing unique artistic voices in an industry increasingly focused on minimizing risk. Julio Torres’ originality and creativity are reminders of the transformative power of storytelling, and there remains hope that HBO will champion another foray into his imagination, though they may also benefit from his creative pursuits beyond the network.

Source
movieweb.com