The new Netflix series, How To Win The Lottery, explores a daring lottery heist in Mexico that took place in 2012. The drama centers around lottery employees and contractors who conspired to pre-tape a drawing, then substitute the pre-recorded footage during a live broadcast to claim a jackpot of 160 million pesos (approximately $8.5 million). While the scheme ultimately failed, it sets the stage for an intriguing narrative that fits well within the heist genre.
The opening scene introduces viewers to a man entering a closed restaurant, declaring, “Today is the day. Our day.” This foreshadows the audacious plan that unfolds. The series kicks off with the televised drawing of Mexico’s Melate lottery on January 22, 2012, highlighting the intricacies of the drawing mechanism as it prepares to reveal the winning numbers.
The story follows José Luis Conejera, portrayed by Alberto Guerra, who works for the Melate lottery. His passion for numbers and statistics drives him to play the lottery, but his motivations deepen as he aims to support his daughter, Karen, in her racing career. When he learns that it will cost 6 million pesos (about $325,000) for her to join a racing team, he becomes determined to find a way to finance her ambitions.
As the plot unfolds, José Luis is confronted with the bureaucratic corruption embodied by Tarto (played by Christian Tappan), the director general of Pronósticos para la Asistencia Pública. Tarto’s focus on political advancement rather than his responsibilities at the lottery leads to a cancellation of sponsorship contracts that would have benefited Karen and her peers. This pivotal moment ignites José Luis‘ resolve to bend the rules of the lottery system.
Unpacking the Heist
The series, originally titled “Me late que si,” is structured much like other heist dramas, such as Money Heist. While the premise might seem straightforward—rigging a lottery draw—the storytelling delves into the complexities of ethics and corruption. The characters involved in the scheme include Lina (hosted by Majo Vargas) and production team members like Mario (Jero Medina) and Gilberto (Aldo Escalante).
Despite the show’s focus on the heist, some viewers may find the details regarding the political corruption and its implications a bit convoluted. The motivations behind José Luis‘ actions can become murky as the narrative shifts between personal ambition and moral compromise. Nevertheless, as the plan unfolds, audiences are drawn into a unique perspective on lottery fraud, moving away from traditional heist narratives that often involve physical theft.
Performance and Viewing Experience
Alberto Guerra delivers a compelling performance as José Luis, embodying a father’s desperation to see his daughter succeed in a male-dominated sport. The series does not include any explicit content in its first episode, allowing the storyline to maintain focus on the unfolding plot and character development.
The engagement factor of How To Win The Lottery lies in its blend of drama and the unexpected nature of the heist. The plot offers an intriguing twist on the typical heist formula, making it a refreshing addition to Netflix’s lineup. As the characters become increasingly entangled in their scheme, viewers are left wondering how far they will go to achieve their goals.
For those looking for a captivating drama with a unique premise, How To Win The Lottery is a recommended watch. It captures the essence of ambition driven by desperation, all while presenting a story that feels both timely and relevant. With its engaging narrative and strong performances, the series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
