Every line on Elena Anaya’s face tells a story. With a 30-year acting career and a life that moves toward fifty, she speaks of aging with calm assurance. The idea is not to erase age but to wear it as a mark of experience. This outlook guides her work since the show’s premiere. Falling lies, just published, marks a turning point; a new sky show debuts this Monday with a fresh episode. In the film, she portrays an aesthetic medicine doctor who lies to shield herself and, in time, confronts a society that hides a larger deception.
Though her filmography runs deep, the screen world welcomed her in television later in her career. Renowned directors like Woody Allen and Pedro Almodóvar had already made their mark, with Anaya earning a Goya for The Skin I Live In. It wasn’t until 2019 that she stepped onto the TV stage with MotherFayherSon (BBC), Jett (Cinemax), and Days of Christmas (Netflix). From 2020 to 2022, she continued with Professional (Movistar Plus+). A true cinephile, she believes in the reach of television and its power to connect with more people.
Was there a particular reason it took time to join a TV series, or was it merely cinema’s pull?
She had done series abroad, including a BBC production in which she played the Mexican wife of a well-known actor, and another in Toronto, plus a South African project featuring Brendan Fressler. In Spain there was also a small miniseries, Days of Christmas on Netflix. But this project felt like the first major format, a turning point in her television journey.
Who backs the cast in this series?
The show is ensemble-driven, with a cast that carries weight and presence. Esther García, a longtime producer for El Deseo, reached out, and the chance to work with Pedro Almodóvar arose again. There is a strong confidence when calls come from Almodóvar’s team. The project was conceived years ago and inspired a strong pull. Even as a film lover who cherishes cinema, she sees the value in television’s ability to bring stories into homes and living rooms, welcoming viewers to share those moments without barriers or extra costs. It’s a democratic feeling that resonates with her.
What stood out in the script when she first read it?
The script itself drew her in. Early episodes promised a light, witty comedy with a compelling premise and a lead character, Lucía, who wields real strength and makes bold choices. The core theme centers on lying to protect oneself and loved ones, while facing judgment from others who might misread or overlook who she is. The narrative feels driven by women behind the camera guiding the action. Maite and Lucía, two friends, invite continued viewing as the chapters unfold and the story evolves under the direction of Félix Sabroso and Marta Font, who add a wonderful layer to the arc.
If not, does the lie reflect more about performance than reality?
There is a belief that hiding truth can sometimes prevent immediate harm. Yet the character understands the burden of keeping a painful secret and chooses a path toward justice, even if it means risking personal exposure. The intention is to expose the consequences tied to the manipulation of truth and to pursue accountability for those who exploited a misused name in a case of corporate espionage.
Where does Lucía stand when confronted with unfair treatment?
The actor who embodies Lucía embraces her fully, translating the character’s thoughts and actions into a coherent personal interpretation. There may be moments when the only option is to face consequences, and if the true manipulators escape accountability, the character could be driven to the consequences of the law. The commitment was to make Lucía credible and compelling in every scene, allowing audiences to follow her journey with confidence.
What about the broader lie of cosmetic retouching?
The topic isn’t framed as a personal verdict but as a reflection on choices and autonomy. It delves into the pressure many feel to seek perfection, while also highlighting the moment when Lucía reconnects with a more grounded self after a heavy setback. Through undercover work, she encounters young women drawn to quick cosmetic fixes, and the narrative recognizes that temporary changes don’t resolve deeper life questions.
Can this be a catalyst for change?
Seeing such dynamics offers a mirror for Lucía, underscoring that people are fallible and that aging is a shared human experience. The character’s journey suggests that flaws are part of being human, and there is always a chance to rebuild when one chooses to do so. Lucía’s path emphasizes resilience and the idea that personal renewal is possible, even after significant setbacks.
Is aging presented as something worth embracing in today’s society?
There is a sense of privilege in aging and continuing to work in the same field for decades. At 48, after starting at 19, the actor reflects on the richness of experience, the travel, and the growth that comes with time. The message goes beyond surface appearance, urging a deeper understanding of beauty and worth. Perfection is not the goal; the aim is to live fully, embracing the journey rather than chasing an unattainable ideal.