Netflix’s latest crime thriller, Facing El Chapo, delves into the life of an infamous drug kingpin, exploring his notorious reign and eventual downfall.
The gripping drama, which premiered on the streaming platform last Friday, August 21, centers around two Mexican officers, one of whom is Arturo Carmona, played by Alfonso Herrera. These officers find themselves in a perilous situation, trying to endure the last hours of their shift after clashing with a merciless cartel leader. Inspired by real-life events, this intense narrative promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
As the title suggests, the film draws its inspiration from the notorious figure El Chapo, also known by his full name, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera. He is a former kingpin who co-founded the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
Wondering if Facing El Chapo is rooted in real events? And where exactly is El Chapo today? Here’s the scoop on what the film reveals.
Is Facing El Chapo Based On A True Story?
Indeed, Facing El Chapo is branded as a “crime drama based on true events” by the streaming giant. According to SoapCentral.com, the storyline centers around the dramatic 2016 recapture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. However, the film creatively dramatizes these factual occurrences for narrative depth and engagement.
Was El Chapo Caught?
Yes, El Chapo was caught, but after escaping prison twice, per A&E. After being arrested in Guatemala in 1993, he was extradited to Mexico, and sentenced to 20 years in the Puente Grande maximum-security prison. However, he eventually escaped in 2001, only to be arrested again in 2014 in Mazatlán, Mexico, per ABC7 Chicago. The outlet reports that he then escaped in 2015, but was ultimately captured once again in 2016. According to A&E, in 2017, he was extradited to the United States, and was eventually convicted of every federal count against him, resulting in a life sentence plus 30 years in prison.
Is El Chapo Alive? Where is El Chapo Now?
People reports that El Chapo is serving his life sentence in a maximum security prison in Florence, Colorado called U.S. Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility, or ADX Florence.
Facing El Chapo is streaming now on Netflix.