Acclaimed actress and producer Salma Hayek Pinault is bringing a fresh adaptation of the beloved novel "Like Water for Chocolate" to HBO. The six-episode Spanish-language series promises to be a sensual and complex journey into forbidden love, family traditions, and the power of food to convey emotions.
Set in early 1900s Mexico, the story follows Tita, the youngest daughter of the De La Garza family. Born amidst tears in the family kitchen, Tita's life becomes intertwined with culinary magic and thwarted romance. As family tradition dictates that the youngest daughter must care for her mother until death, Tita finds herself unable to marry her true love, Pedro.
Hayek Pinault describes the series as a tale of "women trying to take their destinies by their hands and empower themselves." It explores the complexities of family expectations, tradition, and the intense weight of forbidden love in a specific time and place.
The show's unique premise revolves around Tita's ability to infuse her emotions into the food she cooks, affecting those who eat it. This magical realism element adds depth to the narrative, allowing for creative storytelling through culinary scenes.
For Hayek Pinault, this project holds special significance. The original 1992 film adaptation of "Like Water for Chocolate" inspired her early in her career as she moved to the United States. Now, as a successful producer, she aims to bring this "masterpiece of literature" to a global audience.
Despite her track record of success, Hayek Pinault faced challenges in bringing this adaptation to the screen. It took six years to find a home for the project, highlighting the ongoing struggle to bring diverse Latino stories to mainstream audiences.
The actress and producer emphasizes the importance of representing different types of Latino experiences on screen, moving beyond stereotypes and clichés. She hopes this series will inspire viewers to appreciate the often-overlooked aspects of life, such as food, family, and the people who support us.
"Like Water for Chocolate" airs Sundays at 8 PM EST/PST on HBO Latino and is available for streaming on Max. With its blend of romance, family drama, and culinary magic, the series offers a unique viewing experience that, in Hayek Pinault's words, "makes you want to eat and it makes you want to make love."