--- title: "Fantasmas: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/fantasmas/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/fantasmas" critics_score: 87 critics_reviews: 7 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Fantasmas (2024): what the critics said Critics' score 87 from 7 reviews: 7 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The consensus on Fantasmas is strongly positive, with all seven reviews praising Julio Torres’ imaginative approach to television comedy. Praise centres on the sketch-like structure, theatrical world-building and digressive mini-films, which critics find inventive without losing sight of the pressures facing the characters. The reviews also value the sharpness beneath the whimsy: absurd situations carry pointed observations about capitalism, artistic work and the demand to turn identity into something that can be sold. The differences are chiefly in enthusiasm rather than in any fundamental objection to the series. Variety admires the immigration themes and Hollywood satire but finds some repetition of Torres’ earlier work, while Paste notes that the jokes do not always land, even when the visual style holds its appeal. Across the reviews, the reservations remain limited: critics broadly agree that the peculiar humour and ambitious storytelling sustain the series, though some embrace its eccentricities more wholeheartedly than others. ## The AV Club — Manuel Betancourt Rating A. 30 May 2024. The critic hails it as an absurdist triumph and powerful rebuke to mid TV, singling out the inventive long-form, sketch-like episodic structure and Torres' astute storytelling. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/fantasmas-review-julio-torres-hbo-tv-show-1851507574) ## IndieWire — Ben Travers Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 21 June 2024. The critic calls the series a level of brilliance beyond the bizarre, praising its frothy farce and fierce satire that indicts late-stage capitalism through whimsical elements like hamster nightclubs. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/fantasmas-review-juilo-torres-fierce-satire-1235017376/) ## The Guardian — Rebecca Nicholson Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 1 August 2024. The critic adored this wildly creative and theatrical series from Julio Torres, calling it a beacon of hope for non-generic TV. They singled out its inventive mini-films, whimsical world-building and sharp take on art, commodification and precarity. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/aug/01/fantasmas-review-this-wildly-creative-comedy-is-a-beacon-of-hope-for-tvs-future) ## Variety — Alison Herman Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 7 June 2024. Torres' new HBO series immerses viewers in his singular surreal vision through a loose narrative about eviction and a quest for proof of existence amid digressive vignettes with high-profile guests. The review highlights autobiographical immigration themes and a biting Hollywood critique of identity-driven stories, softened by the show's whimsical elements, while noting some repetition from prior work. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2024/tv/tv-reviews/fantasmas-review-julio-torres-hbo-1236027922/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Daniel Fienberg Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 6 June 2024. Julio Torres' six-episode HBO series mixes childlike whimsy, irritation and hope in a semi-dystopic quest for proof of existence, blending futuristic elements with outlandish sketches and guest stars. The review calls it a complete, satisfying story packed with ambitious ideas and hilarity, positioning it as one of the best of the year for fans of Torres' peculiar vibe. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/fantasmas-review-julio-torres-hbo-1235916064/) ## Paste — Reuben Baron Rating 7.9. 3 June 2024. Fantasmas is a quirky, imaginative sketch comedy show that went to art school, consistently cinematic even when jokes miss. Its strong style and vision provide high entertainment value, making it like nothing else on television. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/julio-torres/fantasmas-julio-torres-review) ## Collider — Chase Hutchinson Rating 8/10. 30 May 2024. The series is an absurdist gem that maintains the spirit of Los Espookys while pushing in a bold new direction. It is praised for being funny and incisive, blending whimsy with pointed commentary on creativity, entertainment, and surviving a harsh world. [Read the review](https://collider.com/fantasmas-show-review-julio-torres/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/fantasmas.md