María Carolina Geel is a lead character in Netflix’s film In Her Place (original title: El lugar de la otra), played by actress Francisca Lewin. She is a famous author whose life changes forever after she commits the shocking crime of murdering her lover. This event haunts her throughout the story, shaping her journey. The film explores both her personal struggles and the consequences of her actions.

Trivia/Facts

• María Carolina Geel is a talented and complex character. She is portrayed by Francisca Lewin in Netflix’s ‘In Her Place’ (Original title: ‘El lugar de la otra’). María Carolina Geel was once a famous author who is haunted by a dark past. She was arrested for murdering her lover, and her crime follows her throughout the story.
• Geel’s early life and career were marked by ambition and talent. Born in 1913, she worked as a stenographer before fully committing to her writing career. Her first novel, ‘El Mundo Dormir de Yenia,’ published in 1946, established her as a bold, progressive voice. Her work challenged social norms, particularly focusing on women’s rights and experiences.
• Geel’s writing style was both celebrated and controversial. She was known for experimenting with narrative styles and presenting progressive ideas, which were not always welcomed by Chilean society at the time. Her novels, like ‘Extraño Estío’ (1947) and ‘Soñaba y ama el Adolescente Perces’ (1949), often explored the complexities of women’s lives. These themes contributed to her standing as a leading female voice in Chilean literature.
• The turning point in María Carolina Geel’s life was the murder of her lover, Roberto Pumarino Valenzuela. Roberto was 14 years younger than Geel, and their relationship shocked society. On April 14, 1955, Geel shot Roberto five times in the face at a hotel. Despite confessing to the crime, she never explained her motive, leaving everyone puzzled.

Francisca Lewin in In Her Place (2024)

• Geel’s trial and imprisonment drew widespread attention. During the trial, speculation about her mental state arose, but Geel refused to explain her actions. Though her lawyer attempted an insanity defense, her novel ‘Cárcel de Mujeres,’ written while she was in prison, was used against her. Ultimately, she was sentenced to three years in prison but was pardoned after one year due to her connections, including Gabriela Mistral’s plea for her release.
• After her release from prison, Geel continued her literary career. She became less confrontational in her writing, opting for more neutral subjects. Her final novel, ‘Huída,’ was published in 1961. She also contributed to literary criticism, writing columns for magazines and newspapers, including Atenea and El Mercurio.
• In her later years, Geel remained an enigmatic figure. Despite her prolific writing career, she could not escape the shadow of Roberto’s murder. The public remained curious about her motive, but she consistently refused to answer questions about it. Geel passed away in 1996, never revealing the reason behind the tragic crime.
• María Carolina Geel’s legacy remains one of mystery and talent. Though she was a successful author and literary critic, the murder defined her public image. Even in her old age, she kept her secrets closely guarded, refusing to discuss the crime. She died at 83, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a writer and a figure of intrigue.

María Carolina Geel’s Relationship with Other Characters

• María Carolina Geel and Roberto Pumarino Valenzuela: Roberto was María’s lover, 14 years younger than her. Their relationship seemed fine, but it ended in tragedy when María shot him. Roberto had left his family for her, making their bond controversial.
• María Carolina Geel and Mercedes: Mercedes is a paralegal who becomes fascinated with María’s life after her arrest. She sneaks into María’s apartment, trying to understand what it was like to live in her place before the crime. Their lives become intertwined as Mercedes imagines stepping into María’s world.
• María Carolina Geel and Gabriela Mistral: Gabriela Mistral was a close friend and Nobel Prize winner who supported María. After María’s imprisonment, Mistral wrote to the Chilean president asking for her pardon, showing deep care and influence in María’s life.