It's Better If Gabriela Doesn't Die Movie Poster

It's Better If Gabriela Doesn't Die

It's Better If Gabriela Doesn't Die

A writer for a nighttime soap opera discovers the line between fiction and reality isn't as clear as he'd like in this satiric comedy. Miguel (Mauricio Isaac) is a writer whose latest assignment has been working on the staff of Destiny Of Love, a wildly popular Mexican telenova that follows the adventures of tempestuous heroine Gabriela. One evening, Miguel is pulled over by Bracho (Dagoberto Gama), a traffic cop, and as he tries to weasel his way out of a ticket, Miguel mentions that he writes for Destiny of Love. Bracho replies that Destiny Of Love is his favorite TV series, and after Miguel gives him a rundown on what will be coming up on the show, the policeman lets him go. Destiny Of Love's storyline soon takes an unexpected turn when Ana Victoria (Gabriela Roel), who plays Gabriela, announces she's quitting the show; the producers and writers decide Ana is so closely associated with the character than rather than recast, they'll have to kill off Gabriela in time-honored soap opera fashion. While more than a few fans are surprised when Gabriela suddenly meets her fate, the big surprise is for Miguel when he's confronted by Bracho, who makes it clear he wants Gabriela back on the show -- or else. Mejor es que Gabriela no se muera (aka It's Better If Gabriela Doesn't Die) was the first feature film from director Sergio Umansky, who appropriately launched his career in Mexican television.