Watch Hard

Hard is an Amazon Addon series from 2020 that serves up a medley of comedy and drama with an unexpected twist. The show is a Brazilian production, originally presented on HBO Latin America, that oscillates between the extraordinary and the mundane, taking audiences on an offbeat, sometimes discomforting journey through the life of a woman who is suddenly and very surprisingly thrust into the adult entertainment industry.

The protagonist of the series is Sofia Consenso, a prim and proper housewife from the affluent suburbs of Brazil, who is living a content, uneventful life while enjoying the comforts of upper-class society. Her world is shattered, however, when her husband, renowned entrepreneur Alexandre dies unexpectedly. Left behind are deep secrets buried under the facade of their perfect life and the illusion of her husband's successful career as a wealthy hedge fund manager. Sofia abruptly discovers that the extensive wealth and comfortable life she enjoyed actually stem from a very unconventional source— Alexandre's secret adult film production company, "Hard".

Sofia's life takes a whimsical yet profound turn as she grapples with the sudden revelation and colossal responsibility heaped on her. As the sole inheritor of the pornographic enterprise, she is faced with the monumental task of running it despite her utter inexperience and personal discomfort within the industry. What follows is a hilarious and tumultuous, often uncomfortable journey for Sofia, as she dives headfirst into an industry that’s poles apart from her formerly sheltered existence.

One of the show's strong points is how it interweaves humor with more profound, thought-provoking subjects. Hard takes a closer, often unflinching look at the adult film industry and the people who form an integral part of it. Although this might seem like fertile ground for crass humor and explicit content, the show surprisingly takes the high road. It navigates delicately around these challenging themes to shed light on the people behind the scenes, their personalities, and the circumstances that led them here.

Sofia's character arc is particularly fascinating. She starts as a prim, naive, and utterly clueless outsider, struggling to reconcile her repressed upbringing with the new world she's forced to inhabit. But as the series goes on, Sofia slowly learns, adapts, and even grows to understand and respect her new role. This growth lends to the show's appeal, providing unexpectedly touching moments amidst the chaos of her new life.

Meanwhile, the ensemble supporting cast is nothing short of brilliant, providing not only comic relief but also a source of empathy, support, and even friendship to Sofia. The group consists of everyone from adult film actors and actresses, technicians, make-up artists to producers and directors who have their own unique quirks, relationships, and dynamics. This creates an exciting tapestry of interactions and events that keep the storyline fresh, exciting, and unpredictable.

On a deeper level, Hard is not just about Sofia’s journey into the heart of the adult film industry. It's about breaking taboos, challenging societal judgements and preconceptions about the adult film trade. It delves into the world of adult entertainment with grace and dignity, humanizing it beyond its notorious reputation.

The show's a masterful mix of funny, quirky, awkward, heartwarming, and at times, gut-wrenching scenes seamlessly blended into a smart narrative that at its heart, is a story of self-discovery and tolerance. Every episode is a well-crafted blend of humor, drama, and poignant life lessons, often presenting audiences with unexpected insights into life and human behavior.

In conclusion, Hard, although potentially controversial in its theme, strikes a brilliant balance - it neither dilutes the real-life complexities of its subjects, nor does it exploit them for cheap thrills. It subtly exposes the harsh truths, the challenges, and the beauty of an industry largely misjudged by society, and in doing so, offers a fresh and unique perspective on life, love, and sexuality. With a strong cast, excellent cinematography, sharp writing, and a captivating storyline, Hard is the perfect choice for an audience looking for a show that is entertaining yet thought-provoking, humorous yet deep, straightforward yet sophisticated. It's a gem of a show that deserves the attention and accolades it has garnered. With each season, viewers will find themselves increasingly drawn into Sofia's tumultuous yet exciting new world.

Hard is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (18 episodes). The series first aired on May 19, 2020.