“I Always Sometime”: A Deep Dive into Gentrified Barcelona's Breadline Motherhood
Navigating Life's Contradictions: Motherhood in a Changing City
From Fleeting Romance to Single Motherhood: Laura's Unexpected Journey
The narrative of 'I Always Sometime' opens with a whirlwind romance between Laura, a festival organizer from Berlin, and Rubén, a Barcelona bar owner. Their initial connection, fueled by shared interests and spontaneous passion, quickly leads to Laura's unexpected pregnancy. The dreamlike beginning takes a sharp turn as Rubén proves to be unreliable, forcing Laura to confront the realities of single motherhood and return to her parents' home. This dramatic shift sets the stage for the series' exploration of post-fairytale life.
The Harsh Realities of Barcelona: A Mother's Quest for a Home
Following the abrupt end of her initial romance, Laura embarks on a desperate search for stable housing in Barcelona for herself and her infant son, Mario. The series starkly highlights the city's gentrification and escalating rent prices, presenting Barcelona not as a picturesque tourist destination, but as an increasingly hostile environment for those with limited means. Laura's interactions with friends underscore the immense difficulty of finding an affordable place to live, exposing the economic disparities within the vibrant metropolis.
A Multifaceted Narrative: Embracing Life's Dualities
The creators, Marta Bassols and Marta Loza, craft a story that consciously deviates from conventional romantic narratives. Instead of culminating in a 'happily ever after,' 'I Always Sometime' begins where many love stories conclude, exploring the aftermath and unforeseen challenges. This structural choice, evolving from an initial flashback, provides deeper insight into Laura's character, her past expectations, and the journey that has led her to her current circumstances. The series emphasizes that life, much like Barcelona itself, is a blend of the beautiful and the brutal, and characters, like the city, possess inherent contradictions.
The Creative Minds Behind the Series: Nurturing New Talent
The production benefits from the experience of Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, known as the 'Javis,' who are celebrated for their work on 'Veneno' and 'La Mesías.' They continue their commitment to fostering emerging talent by supporting Bassols and Loza's writing debut. The series' direction is a collaborative effort, with Marta Loza helming the initial episode, Claudia Costafreda directing subsequent chapters, and Ginesta Guindal taking charge of others. This diverse directorial approach contributes to the varied tone and visual style across the episodes, reflecting Laura's emotional landscape and physical relocations.
Economic Imperatives and the Modern Mother: A Realistic Portrayal
A central theme of 'I Always Sometime' is the economic strain faced by single mothers. The series consistently draws attention to the financial burdens and the constant balancing act required to reconcile work with childcare. Bassols and Loza aim to present a realistic, grounded vision of motherhood that acknowledges the relentless economic pressures often overlooked in narratives about women protagonists. They argue that in an increasingly neoliberal society, the focus should shift from making work the center of life to prioritizing happiness and well-being, with work serving as a means to achieve those ends.
