Table of Contents
Netflix’s new show is the bold reimagining of Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century work, ‘The Decameron’ (2024-). This fresh take on the original work blends comedy, historical drama and fantasy with contemporary themes.
Things to do:
- Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.
- Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to The Hollywood Insider
- Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider fully focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, against gossip and scandal, by combining entertainment, education, and philanthropy.
Original work
The original work by Boccaccio, is a collection of 100 stories, which are framed by a larger narrative, in which a group of 10 people retreat to a villa outside Florence to escape the Black Death (The Plague). They each tell a story per day for 10 days, resulting in the 100 stories. Their stories serve as a distraction from the horrors of the Black Death. They are also the perfect vehicle to connect with one another and explore the complexities of the human experience. The book offers insights into human nature, social class and the complexity of love and relationships.
WATCH THE TRAILER of the Film and the Revolution: ‘Can I Go Home Now?’
The Children Around the World Continue to Ask the question
The show
Not very different from the original work, Netflix’s new show ‘The Decameron’ (2024-) follows a group of individuals seeking refuge from the pandemic while sharing stories of love, lust, and survival. Themes of class and the complexity of love and relationships are at the center of the overarching story. The series creators decided to make the show into a comedy, leaning into a “camp” genre, which works perfectly for the show.
Related article: – Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
Related article: Queer Stories: Pride Doesn’t Have To End With June – LGBTQ Movies/TV (Part 2)
Performances
The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, skillfully balancing humor with moments of genuine tragedy. Each actor injects unique energy into their character, highlighting the blend of playful and scandalous themes that define their arcs. Tindaro’s childlike narcissism, brought to life by Douggie McMeekin, is both hilarious and captivating, with McMeekin’s exaggerated performance elevating the character’s absurdity. Neifile (Lou Gala), portrayed with a mix of devotion and lust, offers a stark contrast, showcasing the diverse personalities within the group. Zosia Mamet is spot-on as the delusional, self-absorbed Pampinea, fully embodying her character’s manipulative tendencies. Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s portrayal of Misia stands out for its emotional depth, blending humor with the painful relatability of a character trapped by loyalty and self-sacrifice. Her ability to navigate such complex roles, as demonstrated in Netflix’s Irish comedy ‘Derry Girls’ (2018-2022), adds further weight to Misia’s journey, making her performance one of the show’s most compelling.
Related article: EVOLUTION: Every Ryan Gosling Role From 1995 to 2020, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Related article: EVOLUTION: Every Henry Cavill Role From 2001 to 2021, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Related article: Desperate Lies: Netflix’s First Brazilian Soap Opera
Visuals
The visual elements of the show are striking, perfectly capturing the rich, moody atmosphere of medieval Italy. The use of natural light paired with shadowy interiors and vibrant landscapes not only evokes the isolation brought on by the Black Plague but also symbolizes the internal struggles each character faces while maintaining a facade for the group. The cinematography is intentional and expertly executed, blending satire and fantasy with careful attention to historical detail. Period-accurate costumes, architecture, and authentic set pieces deepen the immersion into 14th-century Italy, enhancing both the narrative and the world-building. The production design stands out, meticulously recreating the essence of the era, making the show visually captivating and thematically resonant.
Related article: Understanding the Star Wars Timeline
Related article: A Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola: One of Cinema’s Unforgettable Directors | ‘Megalopolis’, ‘The Godfather’ & More
Related article: #metoo Revolution: Powerful Questions That Need Answers
Related article: FACT-CHECKED Series: Timothee Chalamet and 32 Facts about The Young Superstar
Related article: The Real Life Fall Guys of the Film Industry | Stunt Doubles
Weaknesses
As for the less favorable aspects of the show, the uneven tonal shifts and its length stand out. At times, the transitions between lighthearted, comedic moments and darker, more serious scenes feel jarring, creating an imbalance that disrupts the flow of the scene and the show as a whole. Additionally, the show’s pacing feels sluggish in parts, making the narrative drag unnecessarily. This results in the story feeling drawn out, where it seems like the plot could have concluded at least an episode earlier without losing any of its impact. Tighter editing might have allowed for a more cohesive and engaging viewing experience. Despite this, the show remains a very compelling adaptation.
Related article: Top 10 South Park Characters | Who Makes the Cut? Kenny, Chef, Butters, Towelie, Eric?
Related article: In-Depth Analysis | The Unexpected Queerness of ‘Bob’s Burgers’: Why the Show is an Animated Ally
Related article: Is Netflix’s ‘One Day’ Worth All Your Tears?
Verdict
Netflix’s ‘The Decameron’ (2024-) offers a bold and inventive reimagining of Boccaccio’s classic work, successfully blending historical drama with modern sensibilities and dark humor. The series excels in its ensemble cast, stunning visuals, and immersive production design, drawing viewers into a richly atmospheric portrayal of medieval Italy. The show’s compelling characters, sharp wit, and thematic depth make it a unique and engaging watch. By balancing moments of levity with serious reflections on love, class, and survival, ‘The Decameron’ (2024-) manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile addition to Netflix‘s catalog of period-inspired content.
Cast: Amar Chadha-Patel, Leila Farzad, Lou Gala, Karan Gill, Tony Hale, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Zosia Mamet, Douggie McMeekin, Jessica Plummer, Tanya Reynolds
Cinematography: Michael McDonough, Emiliano Leurini | Director: Michael Uppendahl, Anya Adams, Andrew DeYoung | Writer: Kathleen Jordan, Megan King Kelly, Marie Hanhnhon Nguyen, Sarah Stoecker, Zoe Jarman, Anthony Natoli, James Rogers III, Steve Unckles | Producers: Ashley Glazier, Tara Herrmann, Zoe Jarman, Spencer Jarvis, Kathleen Jordan, Jenji Kohan, Stefano Dalla Lana, Blake McCormick, Anthony Natoli, Alex Orr, James Rogers III, Nicola Rosada, Steve Unckles, Michael Uppendahl
By Julia Maia
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
More Interesting Stories From The Hollywood Insider
– Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
– A Tribute to Martin Scorsese: A Complete Analysis of the Life and Career of the Man Who Lives and Breathes Cinema
– Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece
– A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Denzel Washington, Halle Berry & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond
– In the 32nd Year Of His Career, Keanu Reeves’ Face Continues To Reign After Launching Movies Earning Over $4.3 Billion In Total – “John Wick”, “Toy Story 4”, “Matrix”, And Many More