Zoe Saldaña’s Netflix Series: A Complete Guide on Whether It’s Worth Watching

Zoe Saldaña stars in the Netflix drama From Scratch, a series that may not have received the spotlight it deserves. Released in October 2022, this eight-episode offering features Saldaña as Amy Wheeler, a law student from Georgetown who embarks on a life-changing trip to Italy. During her travels, Amy meets Lino (played by Eugenio Mastrandrea), a charming chef, and comes to terms with her own dreams and aspirations beyond her previous plans. Together, they navigate love, joy, and challenges, showcasing the complexities of new romance.

It’s important to note that while some may consider From Scratch as part of Saldaña’s ongoing career, her trajectory has been remarkable since 2009. With standout performances in iconic franchises like Avatar and Star Trek, Saldaña’s past work in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Crossroads proves her versatility and appeal. Given her talent, many fans are curious about how this latest series compares in quality.

Is Zoe Saldaña’s From Scratch Worth Watching?

Saldaña and Mastrandrea’s Fantastic Chemistry

Amy (Zoe Saldana) and Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea) sitting together looking serious in From Scratch.

Undoubtedly, From Scratch has a strong case for being on your watch list. Although the plot of a woman breaking free from familial expectations to chase her dreams in Italy may come off as typical romantic drama, Saldaña injects her character with compelling energy, enriching the narrative and embracing the Lovelace of the Italian landscape. The series combines humor with heartfelt moments, skillfully delivering an emotional storyline that resonates deeply.

One minor flaw might be Saldaña’s portrayal, as she appears older than a typical law student. Nonetheless, her impressive emotional range effectively propels the story, keeping the audience invested in a romance that faces only a few obstacles. The picturesque Italian backdrop and delectable dishes expertly curated by Lino create an aesthetically pleasing viewing experience. Saldaña herself highlighted the significance of effectively capturing the show’s vivid setting (via Variety),

“That love story was untouched — the sparks and the magic and the food and the Italy of it all was definitely there.”

While it may not break new ground in the romantic drama genre, From Scratch excels in executing familiar themes with finesse.

How Saldaña’s Performance in From Scratch Compares to Emilia Pérez

Rita Mora Castro: A More Complex Character

Whether it’s her role in From Scratch or her appearances in Star Trek, Zoe Saldaña consistently finds herself involved in noteworthy projects. In 2024, she takes on the role of Rita Mora Castro in the musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez, a French-language film directed by Jacques Audiard that draws inspiration from his opera libretto adapted from Boris Razon’s novel. Rita, a lawyer, finds herself entangled with a cartel leader named Juan “Manitas”Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón), seeking assistance for her gender-affirming care and a path to anonymity.

Interestingly, Rita and Amy could not be more disparate characters. While Amy exhibits a vibrant spirit and yearns for a life beyond law, Rita embodies apathy and dissatisfaction. As a more nuanced role, Rita reflects a deeper narrative than that presented in From Scratch, garnering significant critical acclaim and potential Oscar buzz for her performance. Speculation surrounds her possible nominations, with arguments favoring both the Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress categories (via Variety).

Source & Images