# Netflix Series 'Gordon' Explores Argentina's Darkest Historical Period

Director Pablo Trapero and star Rodrigo de la Serna unpack the chilling psychological thriller.

- **Source:** [Variety – TV](https://variety.com/v/tv)
- **Published:** 2026-11-09
- **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment)
- **Original article:** <https://variety.com/2026/tv/global/gordon-netflix-pablo-trapero-rodrigo-de-la-serna-1236943118/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7d07a13f-80c5-4582-9762-c5d8637da9c8

## New Netflix Period Thriller

Netflix is set to release the seven-part series Gordon on November 18. Directed by Pablo Trapero and Pablo Fendrik, the show stars Rodrigo de la Serna as the infamous Anibal Gordon. The production explores the harrowing reality of Argentina during the 1970s, specifically focusing on the country's turbulent Dirty War era.

## The Protagonist's Dark Origins

Anibal Gordon began his life as a car thief before rising through the ranks of military intelligence. He eventually became a leader of the Triple A death squads and directed the Automotores Orletti detention center. The series examines how such a figure gained immense power within the state's apparatus during the 1976 regime.

## Artistic Vision and Genre

Pablo Trapero returns to Argentine storytelling after eight years, co-writing the screenplay with Marcos Osorio Vidal. The series utilizes a shifting genre structure, transitioning from a Western-style arrival in the first episode to an investigative thriller and eventually horror. This narrative approach aims to keep viewers engaged with the complex historical subject matter.

## Performance and Psychopathology

Rodrigo de la Serna describes his role as the darkest of his career, portraying a man devoid of empathy or ideology. He characterizes Gordon as a mercenary who viewed violence as a commodity. The actor focused on the character's psychopathic nature, portraying him as a monster who thrived in a lawless environment.

## Historical Context of Violence

The series highlights the period between 1974 and 1983, a time when the rule of law was replaced by state-sanctioned violence. De la Serna notes that the 1955 bombing of Plaza de Mayo served as a foundational act of this shift. Consequently, individuals like Gordon were able to shed their masks and commit atrocities.

## Production and Creative Team

The series is produced by Adrian Suar and Diego Andraznik under their new banner, Preludio Producciones. Suar, a prominent figure in Argentine media, brings significant industry experience to this ambitious project. The production involved seven months of filming, aiming for high cinematographic standards to capture the atmosphere of the 1970s Argentine landscape.

## Narrative Strategy and Engagement

Trapero aimed to create a story where the audience feels conflicted emotions toward the protagonist. By mixing film noir and melodrama, the creators hope to make the heavy subject matter more accessible. The goal is to challenge viewers to confront a villain who becomes increasingly monstrous as the series progresses through its episodes.

## A Taboo Subject Matter

The creators view the series as a way to open a Pandora's box regarding a dark, rarely visited period in Argentine history. By using fiction, they intend to educate younger generations about the consequences of violence. They believe it is a citizen's duty to remember these events to prevent history from repeating itself.

## Impact and Legacy

Gordon stands as a significant cultural project that reflects on the normalization of violence in society. By focusing on a character who lacks a moral compass, the series forces viewers to look at the shadows of the past. It serves as a stark reminder of how easily human life can be devalued.

## Sources covering this story

- https://variety.com/2026/tv/global/gordon-netflix-pablo-trapero-rodrigo-de-la-serna-1236943118/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
