Demián Bichir is back on Spanish-language screens, but his new series, El Dentista, is far more than just a comeback. After making a name for himself in Hollywood blockbusters and indie films like The Hateful Eight, A Better Life (earning him an Oscar nomination in 2012), and The Nun, Bichir is starring in a show with a deep purpose. He’s not just proud of finding a complex character; he believes the series delivers an important message.
The 62-year-old actor, in an exclusive chat with Us Weekly en Español, stressed that El Dentista shines a light on an urgent issue: violence against women. "It’s a feminist series in more ways than one," Bichir shared. "We talk about this violence that women have faced for so long. It’s all kinds of violence: physical, emotional, intellectual." He added that the story is set in a time when few women had the strength to stand up and fight back. This makes it clear that El Dentista aims to do more than just thrill; it wants people to think about a historical wound that still hurts today. Back then, women couldn’t easily have careers or attend school. This often forced them to learn on their own, hidden from view.
The plot draws its inspiration from Julio Rojas’s novel, El visitante extranjero. It follows Nolasco Black, a forensic dentist, played by Bichir. Nolasco gets pulled into a dangerous investigation after a sex worker is murdered. As he deals with his own grief, he uncovers a shocking truth: Jack the Ripper has crossed the Atlantic and is now targeting new victims in America. To catch the killer, Nolasco finds unexpected allies. These include the secret Flammarion society and Sofía, a young chemist brought to life by Camila Sodi. Sofía becomes a key part of the investigation.
Bichir feels this bond between Nolasco and Sofía truly captures the series’ feminist heart. Camila Sodi’s portrayal of Sofía brings to life a woman who pushes against the limits of her time. She’s rebellious, smart, and determined to help with scientific research. This is remarkable because, in the 19th century, women were often blocked from higher education. Bichir praised Sodi’s work, calling it "extraordinary." He said she not only plays her character with grace but also stands for the fight of countless women who carved out their own paths in a world that tried to ignore them.
The show’s power comes from more than just the script. The production team went to great lengths to highlight the historical setting and women’s challenging place within it. Bichir noted that what makes the story great is how audiences can connect with problems from the 1800s that still feel familiar today.
A strong ensemble cast joins Bichir and Sodi. Alberto Ammann, known for Narcos and Upon Entry, plays a crucial role. Dagoberto Gama, from El Infierno, takes on the part of the police officer who recruits Nolasco. The cast also includes Claudia Ramírez, Carlos Aragón, Lisa Owen, Ianis Guerrero, and Natasha Dupeyrón. Together, they create a mood where mystery blends with social commentary.
Filming took place in Mexico, mostly in Veracruz. Production teams transformed haciendas and hidden spots to perfectly capture a country from the 1800s, free from any modern touches. The careful attention to costumes, color schemes, and art design completes a world where the visuals deepen the underlying message.
Behind the scenes, Israel Adrián Caetano and Hari Sama directed El Dentista. Fábula, the company run by brothers Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín, produced the series. The Larraíns are well-known for movies like Jackie, El Conde, Neruda, and Spencer. Bichir himself also serves as an executive producer, showing his deep commitment to a project that mixes top-notch entertainment with important social themes.
With El Dentista, ViX isn’t just offering a thriller about Jack the Ripper arriving in America. It’s a bold move to highlight a feminist viewpoint, celebrating women who, even against tough odds, made a real difference.
You can now stream El Dentista exclusively on the ViX premium platform in the United States and Puerto Rico.