Netflix film Contra el huracán inspired by Hurricane Otis hits number one

The Mexican film ‘Contra el huracán’, directed by Jorge Michel Grau, has become a major success on Netflix, reaching the number one spot in 52 countries. The survival drama is inspired by the real-life experiences of two sailors, Marlon Valdez and Jonathan ‘Chino’, who survived the Category 5 Hurricane Otis in Acapulco in October 2023.

While the film uses the real disaster as a backdrop, the narrative blends the two sailors' separate experiences into a single story involving two half-brothers, Wirpul and Candi, who must navigate family tensions and a treacherous sea to survive. The production utilized extensive special effects, including the construction of large-scale boats and specialized tanks, to recreate the intense storm.

Despite its commercial success, the film has faced criticism. The Acapulco Fisherman Cooperative has expressed opposition, arguing that the production uses violence and conflict to generate interest, which they claim presents an unfair and negative portrayal of the local fishing community and disrespects those who lost their lives during the hurricane.