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The telenovela Ojo de agua, aired by Cubavisión since December 22, 2025, sparked a new wave of criticism on social media following the publication of an interview by Cubadebate with its director, Albertico Luberta Martínez.
The comments on the state media's post were devastating. Most viewers rated the production as "terrible" and pointed out the script as the main issue, while several users repeatedly asked when the soap opera would end.
"This soap opera is by far the worst that has been aired in Cuba," wrote a viewer. Another pointed out, "The actors and actresses are very good, but the show is bad, the script is bad, it's the worst I've seen so far."
The criticism of the script was consistent and unanimous. "There are many inconsistencies in the script. A lot of absurdities and violence. For me, Nadia's lead role has very few positive aspects. I don't see any passion in any of her relationships," noted another comment. One user was more direct with those in charge: "Tell Luberta and the other co-directors that to direct a novel or anything else, one must know the story well, study the script until achieving consistency in the content. You can't improvise on the go."
Dissatisfaction with the main character was also a recurring theme. "For me, the audience's dissatisfaction stems from the script; I don't like the protagonist's character at all—just screaming, speaking like a machine gun, and being oblivious to her children's problems," wrote one viewer. Another comment summarized the general sentiment: "No matter how much they try to embellish it... the audience has the final say."
The only praise that appeared in the comments section was directed exclusively at the cast. "Terrible script and the directors also left much to be desired this time. I repeat: only the performances of the actors stand out," wrote one user. Another added, "There are sensitive topics that are inadequately handled, rather forced, and a level of violence that offers nothing uplifting. Given the tight budget, it's a shame."
The plot follows Nadia, a 45-year-old agricultural engineer specializing in beekeeping played by Yura López, who returns to her hometown to transform the family farm into an organic honey project. The direction was taken on by "three heads": Luberta, José Víctor Herrera, and Humberto Hernández Massia, each overseeing a different section or family unit, from locations that are quite distant from each other.
The criticisms are not new. Cubadebate published an article in January by Félix A. Correa Álvarez, which pointed out serious geographical errors —such as an incorrect reference to Hurricane Irma on the south coast— and a simplified and implausible depiction of the scientific processes of CITMA. The critic concluded that "what could have become an opportunity to bring the public closer to a real, complex issue of enormous social impact has ultimately revealed a worrying deficit in technical advice and conceptual rigor."
The production was additionally marked by a tragedy: actor Raúl Enríquez, who had a character of significant dramatic weight, passed away on December 20, 2025, just two days before the premiere. His colleagues paid tribute to him amidst the sorrow of the loss.
In February, Luberta acknowledged the challenges: “Producing a telenovela is a very complex undertaking, especially under the current circumstances”, and expressed gratitude for the efforts of the entire team.
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