We’re Bewitched by The Trailer for The Time Traveling Siempre Bruja

If there’s two genres I’m a sucker for, it’s time travel and witchcraft. So you can imagine how amped I am over the first full trailer for Netflix’s Siempre Bruja: Always a Witch. The series follows Carmen (Angely Gaviria), an Afro-Colombian witch who is burned at the stake in 1646, only to find herself reborn in present day Colombia. Now, Carmen must learn to navigate current day Cartagena while honing her witchcraft skills and searching for her long-lost love.

The series is based on the 2015 novel Yo, Bruja by Isidora Chacón and is only the second Colombian series picked up by Netflix. Netflix VP of International Originals Erik Barmack said in a statement, “We’re excited to continue investing in the wonderful content and talent Colombia has to offer, and especially to be working with Caracol, as well as the creators of hit shows such as La Esclava Blanca. Our second Colombian original Siempre Bruja is not only a magnetic young adult story that audiences will love, but also holds a powerful message of empowerment that will connect deeply with members both in Colombia and globally.”

There’s a lot to enjoy in this trailer: the playful use of magic, the diverse cast, and the stunning vistas of Cartagena. There is plenty of fish-out-of-water comedy to be found as Carmen adjusts to the modern world and the Colombian setting allows for a multi-cultural view of witchcraft that audiences are rarely exposed to. As Netflix expands its global reach, viewers now have access to more international shows. Turns out peak television is not just an American phenomenon.

If you find yourself unsatisfied with the inclusivity of the Charmed reboot or with the dicey racial politics of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Siempre Bruja may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Siempre Bruja drops on Netflix on February 1st and we will definitely be watching. Will you?

(via io9, image: screencap)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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