Los Angeles Times

Gentrification 'is a form of cannibalism.' 'The Horror of Dolores Roach' makes it literal

Justina Machado attends the red carpet special screening of Prime Video's "The Horror of Dolores Roach" at Regal Union Square on June 28, 2023, in New York.

There's a new item on the menu at Empanada Loca, and it's to die for. "People can't stop eating it," laughs Justina Machado of the secret ingredient at the center of her new, "Sweeney Todd"-inspired dark comedy, Prime Video's "The Horror of Dolores Roach." "If only they knew." Oh, but they will ...

In this urban legend, Machado portrays Dolores, released from prison after serving 16 years for dealing weed. But upon her return to her old Washington Heights neighborhood, she finds her ex is gone, along with everyone else she once knew. The bodegas have been replaced by bespoke shops, and the sidewalks are filled with folks who look like they stepped out of Lululemon ads. She is jobless, friendless and homeless until she runs into one of the few remaining OGs, Luis (Alejandro Hernandez). He's taken over his late father's restaurant, Empanada Loca, and lets her stay in the basement for free. Out of desperation, she sets up a masseuse business under the shop and begins to get on her feet again. But when her righteous rage and desperation manifest in murderous behavior on the massage table, Luis finds a way to dispose

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