3.0 out of 5 star rating
As an admirer of thought-provoking and entertaining television, I was eagerly anticipating Netflix’s new dark comedy, The Decameron. The series transported me back to 14th-century Italy with its stunning visuals and intriguing premise.
Netflix transports us back to 14th-century Italy in its new dark comedy The Decameron.
In the year 1348, I find myself among a band of Italian nobles and their faithful servants. We are all fleeing the terrifying grasp of the Black Death that has taken hold of Florence’s streets. The city is in a state of panic as the disease spreads rapidly. Seeking refuge from this horrifying reality, we set our sights on Villa Santa, a luxurious countryside estate untouched by the infection. Our journey is filled with hope and desperation, as we leave behind the familiar yet deadly streets of Florence, in search of safety and survival.
We, the common folk, were overlooked by the self-important elitists who saw our getaway as just another free vacation, unaware of the potential danger lurking ahead. But soon enough, the idyllic retreat they had imagined transformed into a living nightmare, filled with chaos and fear.
In simpler terms, the initial encounter is with Pampinea, portrayed by Zosia Mamet from Girls, setting the mood for the series as she perceives a mourning man with his deceased wife not as a sign of sorrow but as a romantic gesture.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the story of Pampinea. At the ripe age of 28, she finds herself still unmarried and longing for the hand of Leonardo, the dashing villa owner. The thought leaves me gasping in amazement. But instead of wallowing in despair, Pampinea makes a decision. With her devoted servant Misia, who stands by her side like a loyal soldier, she sets out to make her dreams a reality.
I’ve come across some characters in movies that truly make you cringe with their thoughtless cruelty. Take Filomena for instance, played by Jessica Plummer from Eastenders. She seems blissfully unaware of the misery she inflicts on her servant Licisca, portrayed by Tanya Reynolds in Sex Education. Every day for Licisca becomes a waking nightmare at the hands of Filomena.
But when Licisca seizes an unexpected opportunity, the tables swiftly turn.
Neifile, or Lou Gala, and Panfilo, or Karan Gill, are a devoted married couple who hide their carnal desires behind their strong faith. However, disregarding the alluring presence of Doctor Dioneo, played by Amar Chadha-Patel, as he strolls through the gardens in just a shirt, proves to be a challenging chastity test.
Lastly, there’s Tindaro (Douggal McMeekin). He deals with hypochondria and is an incel as well. Despite his significant wealth, he fails to understand why women keep their distance from him.
As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: Despite having plenty of money and status, nothing could shield them from the chaos that ensued. The diligent efforts of villa staff members, like Leila Farzad from I Hate Suzie, and Tony Hale from Veep and Arrested Development, were dedicated to ensuring a seamless stay for our group. Yet, it only took one unfortunate evening for everything to crumble before our eyes.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I can tell you that diving into the rich world of “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio was an exciting yet daunting task for creator Kathleen Jordan (Teenage Bounty Hunters). With over 100 captivating stories at her disposal, she had a feast of ideas to draw from as she brought this classic work to life on the small screen.
Drawing lightly from her emotions towards the COVID crisis, The Decameron brings together drama and the bittersweet humor found in enduring a worldwide pandemic. However, its blend of these elements is debatable.
Some elements exhibit initial promise but eventually fail to deliver, others struggle to take off from the beginning, while a few are rediscovered unexpectedly during the process of pruning back to the essentials.
The most effective stories, in my opinion, feature Filomena, who trades places with Licisca in an intriguing twist reminiscent of “The Prince and the Pauper.” Meanwhile, it is Misia, the downtrodden character, who guides Filomena through the ways of subservient life.
As a film enthusiast, I’m deeply drawn to the complex dynamics of Misia and Filomena’s characters. Tethered to her mistress Pampinea, Misia navigates her circumstances with grace and determination, while Filomena struggles to find her footing in a world that seems devoid of luxury. The way these two women grow under Plummer and Jackson’s exceptional performances is nothing short of remarkable. Their small, nuanced choices and captivating moments keep us invested in their individual journeys, making it easy to root for them despite the challenges they face.
Despite some challenging aspects in the story of Neifile and Panfilo, there are heartwarming moments between them that feel authentic and distinct. This is a testament to the acting skills of Gill and Gala, who beautifully portray the couple’s connection through subtle details.
Although some characters are so dislikable and aggravating that you find yourself hoping the Black Plague would eliminate them – not for enjoyment, but to shorten the overall length of the production.
From my perspective as a story supporter, I believe it’s important for me to connect with the main characters in some way, even if they’re not particularly likable. For instance, shows like “Succession” have managed to keep me engaged despite the unsavory nature of their protagonists. However, there are certain characters who fail to elicit any emotions from me, and I find myself disconnected from their stories.
It’s undeniable that making the show was an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, with the talented cast delighting in delivering over-the-top performances right from the start. However, it’s disappointing that certain choices made during the writing process or in post-production detracted from the production’s potential.
The Decameron is not a poor production, but rather average. However, with the abundance of excellent options available today, being just average no longer cuts it.
You can now stream The Decameron on Netflix starting at just £4.99 a month. Additionally, Netflix is accessible on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream as well.
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2024-07-25 10:34