Watch Girls From Ipanema

Girls from Ipanema is a Brazilian Netflix original series that tells the story of three women in 1950s Rio de Janeiro. The show follows the lives of Maria Luiza, Adelia, and Thereza, who come from vastly different backgrounds but find themselves brought together by a shared love of music and a desire for independence.

Maria Luiza, played by Maria Casadevall, is a young woman who has just returned to Brazil from the United States. She is the daughter of a wealthy diplomat and her whole life has been planned out for her - including an arranged marriage to a well-to-do businessman. But when her husband decides to extend his stay in Europe, Maria Luiza finds herself alone in Rio with nothing to do. She discovers a ion for music and ends up starting a nightclub with the help of Adelia and Thereza.

Adelia, played by Pathy Dejesus, is a black woman from a poor background who dreams of being a singer. She faces racism and sexism at every turn, but refuses to give up on her dreams. She becomes Maria Luiza's right-hand woman at the nightclub, using her connections and her talent to help make it a success.

Thereza, played by Mel Lisboa, is a talented seamstress who is also trying to make it in the music industry. She is struggling to come to with her sexuality and her feelings for another woman. Meanwhile, she helps Maria Luiza with the costumes for the nightclub and becomes a close friend of Adelia's.

The show is set against the backdrop of Brazil in the 1950s, a time of great change and turmoil. The country is undergoing a period of rapid modernization, with new buildings and highways being constructed all over Rio. At the same time, the people are grappling with issues of race, class, and gender. Girls from Ipanema does an excellent job of capturing both the excitement and the uncertainty of this time.

One of the things that makes the show so compelling is the way it portrays the different lives and experiences of its three main characters. Maria Luiza may be the most privileged, but she is also the most unsure of herself. Adelia may face the most obstacles, but she is also the most resilient. Thereza may be the most talented, but she is also the most conflicted. The show allows each of them to be complex, fully-realized characters in their own right.

Another standout aspect of the show is its music. The nightclub that Maria Luiza starts becomes a hub for some of the best musicians in Rio, and the show features several musical performances throughout the season. The music ranges from traditional samba to jazz, and it's all fantastic. The show's soundtrack, which is available on Spotify, is also well worth a listen.

Overall, Girls from Ipanema is an excellent addition to Netflix's lineup of international series. It's a period piece that feels fresh and modern, with a strong emphasis on female empowerment and the power of friendship. The characters are richly drawn, the performances are great, and the music is outstanding. If you're looking for a new show to binge-watch, this one is definitely worth checking out.