At the heart of Envious is Vicky, a woman who seems to have it all figured out—until she doesn’t. Nearing her 40th birthday, she is hit with a wave of envy as all her friends get married, leaving her to feel like the odd one out. Vicky's solution? She gives her boyfriend an ultimatum: marry her or it's over. When he chooses the latter, her world falls apart, and Vicky is thrust into an awkward yet relatable journey of finding the "perfect" man to marry. However, what begins as a simple quest for a spouse turns into a profound exploration of her own identity.
Directed by Gabriel Medina, this Argentine comedy series brings to the forefront the societal pressures many face as they approach major life milestones—marriage being a big one. But Envious isn’t your typical rom-com. Instead, it dives into the reality of unmet expectations and self-inflicted anxieties, all while keeping a light-hearted, satirical tone.
Vicky is a mess, and that's what makes her so relatable. Her envy is palpable, and yet it feels grounded in truth. Who hasn’t looked at the seemingly perfect lives of friends and felt just a twinge of jealousy? But in Vicky’s case, this jealousy becomes the driving force behind her decisions, leading her to make some cringe-worthy yet hilarious missteps along the way. Medina’s direction shines here, as he ensures the audience laughs with Vicky rather than at her.
The series also does a stellar job of balancing Vicky's neurotic energy with moments of sincerity. While she desperately tries to find the "perfect" guy to fulfill her dream of marriage, what she really ends up finding is herself. By peeling back the layers of Vicky’s character, we see that her problem isn’t just about being single—it's about her own insecurities, fears, and unrealistic expectations of life. This growth arc for Vicky, though slow, is rewarding.
The humor in Envious strikes a fine balance between light-hearted situational comedy and biting satire. At times, Vicky’s jealousy and over-the-top reactions can feel like something out of a sitcom, but they are never so outlandish that they lose their emotional weight. Much of the series’ success lies in its ability to make us laugh while also recognizing the truth behind Vicky’s pain.
In particular, the scenes where Vicky navigates the chaos of modern dating are hilariously cringe-inducing yet heartbreakingly real. Her journey through online dating apps, blind dates, and awkward social situations is like watching a car crash in slow motion—but in a good way. It’s a comedy that hits close to home, especially for viewers who have faced the unique challenges of dating in adulthood.
While the plot revolves around Vicky’s romantic misadventures, Envious tackles much deeper themes. The constant pressure to "keep up" with societal milestones—like marriage and kids—plays a huge role in Vicky's unraveling. It’s this envy, born from the comparisons she makes with her friends, that drives her actions.
There’s a pointed critique here about how society often sets unrealistic timelines for life’s major events. Through Vicky’s missteps and gradual self-discovery, the show makes a case for letting go of these societal expectations and focusing on what truly makes you happy. In a world where social media and dating apps constantly bombard us with images of other people’s “perfect” lives, Envious feels especially timely.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its cast, especially the actress playing Vicky (Alina Schwarcz). She delivers a performance that’s full of charm and vulnerability. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she brings just the right amount of pathos to the role. Even in Vicky’s lowest moments, Schwarcz manages to keep the character likable and sympathetic. Supporting characters also add layers to the story. Vicky’s friends, who have seemingly perfect lives, are not just caricatures—they have their own struggles and imperfections that become apparent as the series progresses. This adds depth to the show, making it more than just a one-woman show.
While Envious succeeds in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing, particularly in the middle episodes, can drag at times. Vicky’s constant back-and-forth between self-doubt and self-discovery can feel repetitive, and the plot occasionally meanders without moving the story forward in meaningful ways.
Additionally, while the show’s satire is mostly sharp, there are a few moments where the humor feels forced. Some jokes don’t land as well as they should, and there are a handful of scenes that could have been trimmed to keep the story tighter.
Overall, Envious is a delightful, lighthearted comedy that manages to be both funny and poignant. It’s a show about envy, yes, but more importantly, it’s a show about learning to let go of societal expectations and embracing your own path. Vicky’s journey may start with an ultimatum to her boyfriend, but it ends with a deeper understanding of herself—and that’s a journey worth taking. Though it stumbles in a few areas, the series’ charm and wit make it a worthwhile watch for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re falling behind in life.
Final Score- [8.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times