Laura Alonso on Bringing Matilde to Life in Netflix’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’

Colombian actress Laura Alonso portrays Matilde in Netflix’s adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, a role not present in the original novel. Alonso, known for her previous work in García Márquez adaptations like Amazon Prime’s News of a Kidnapping, spoke about her journey to embody the character and the immersive experience of filming in Colombia.

A Familiar Universe

Alonso’s connection to García Márquez’s work extends beyond One Hundred Years of Solitude and News of a Kidnapping. She previously performed as Angela Vicario in a stage adaptation of Chronicle of a Death Foretold, a role that initially sparked her passion for the author’s storytelling.

Embracing Matilde and Macondo

Matilde serves as a companion to Úrsula Iguarán on the journey to establish Macondo, the fictional town central to the narrative. Alonso initially found the character challenging due to the lack of backstory in the source material. However, she found grounding in the Colombian landscape and the bonds she formed with her fellow cast members.

“Colombia became Macondo,” Alonso stated, emphasizing the importance of the country’s natural beauty in shaping her understanding of the character. The production filmed chronologically, allowing Alonso and the cast to experience the evolution of Macondo alongside their characters.

An Immersive Filming Experience

The filming process was physically demanding, beginning with a scene requiring the cast and crew to wade through a swamp. This immersive experience, combined with the chronological filming schedule, created a unique and “magical” atmosphere on set.

Alonso described Macondo as “like a breeze, impregnated with the Caribbean, and it has a life of its own.”

A Dream Role and Future Aspirations

Alonso secured the role after a month-and-a-half-long casting process, a period she described as feeling much longer. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting the widespread recognition of the importance of One Hundred Years of Solitude within Colombia.

Looking ahead, Alonso hopes to one day portray a character from García Márquez’s short story “La mujer que llega a las seis.” Her primary wish, however, is that the Netflix series inspires viewers to read the original novel.

Interview originally conducted in January 2025.