Archetype: The Romantic / The Idealized Masculine / The Sheltered Suitor
Mariano Guzmán appears initially as the archetypal Idealized Suitor - handsome, poetic, and sensitive in a way that seems curated for external approval. He reflects the Golden Boy archetype: emotionally expressive but shaped by the expectations of others, especially those who seek status or ideal matches. He is kind and well-meaning, but we see little of his agency; he plays a role cast by tradition, not desire.
In Jungian terms, Mariano resonates with The Lover archetype, especially its gentler, less individuated form. He is affable and attractive, but there’s a sense that his identity has not been formed from within. His romantic language and stylized softness suggest an anima-infused persona - beautiful but not yet rooted in inner clarity.
From an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, Mariano may be operating from blended Manager parts designed to be pleasing, safe, and emotionally non-threatening. These parts strive to maintain harmony and avoid rejection, but may also keep him from forming a deep connection with his own needs and voice. He often seems to want what he’s told he should want - until that narrative dissolves.
Through the 7 Inner Child Archetypes, Mariano reflects The Pleaser Child - a child who learned that being loved meant being agreeable, affectionate, and aesthetically appealing. This archetype often grows into adults who are emotionally available but unclear about their true wants and limits.
After his engagement to Isabela collapses, we see Mariano adrift. When Isabela asks, “Why so blue?” he answers with childlike vulnerability, “I just have so much love inside.” In this moment, we glimpse his lack of direction when stripped of his assigned role. Later, when Dolores shows interest, he impulsively proposes: “Let’s get married!” - a reflex that likely stems from internalized beliefs that marrying into the Madrigal family is his path to worth and identity. Dolores immediately replies, “Slow down,” perhaps recognizing that he hasn’t yet discovered who he is apart from the expectations placed on him.
Mariano’s arc is subtle, but meaningful. He moves from performing romance to seeking real connection. The film hints at his potential to grow into a more individuated version of The Lover - not just someone who gives love beautifully, but someone who learns to define what love means for himself. His healing will likely depend on slowing down, as Dolores suggests, and forming a sense of self rooted not in performance or lineage, but in inner clarity and choice.
