The Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years Later

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The Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years Later

Summary

  • The Decameron
    is a modern take on a 650-year-old tale, full of relatable characters and humorous situations.
  • Through deception and indulgence, the noble characters in
    The Decameron
    navigate the Black Plague with humor.
  • The show offers a uniquely cathartic and satirical narrative that reflects the absurdity of selfishness amid chaos.

As a viewer who has weathered the tumultuous storms of modern life and the occasional global pandemic, I find myself captivated by the audacious charm of Netflix’s latest offering – “The Decameron.” This series, set in a time when even plagues couldn’t curb humanity’s insatiable appetite for drama, is an absolute delight.

Set in 1348, during the Black Plague era, The Decameron uses contemporary language and music to maintain its witty tone, making Netflix’s medieval dark comedy seem surprisingly contemporary. It might come as a surprise that this series is adapted from an Italian short-story collection of the same name by Giovanni Boccaccio, which was published in the 14th century, shortly after the Florentine epidemic ended. The series, overflowing with extravagance and self-absorbed characters, satirically exposes the absurdity of privilege and updates the 650-year-old sex comedy for modern television, making it a must-see show.

In an attempt to avoid the perils of the plague, a band of nobles along with their servants receive an invitation from Davy Eduard King’s Visconte Leonardo, to spend their time at his rural mansion, Villa Santa, during the pandemic. However, things take a turn for the worse as they find out that Leonardo has already succumbed to the plague upon their arrival. Unaware of this grim news, the guests are greeted by Sirisco, the estate’s steward, who is in the process of burying Leonardo outside the villa gates. The nobles, engrossed in their own world and oblivious to the gravity of the situation, continue to live extravagantly while waiting for Leonardo’s return. Brimming with absurdly self-absorbed and sexually charged characters, Netflix’s latest series has become a must-watch show.

The Decameron Offers a Uniquely Relatable Narrative

The Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years LaterThe Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years LaterThe Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years LaterThe Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years Later

The Decameron offers a distinctive, almost therapeutic viewing experience that might have gone unnoticed. With its humorous and absurd elements, it touches upon something deeper as well. In light of the recent global pandemic, the series seems strikingly relevant yet avoids the somber weight of such an ordeal. Reminiscent of when many viewers sought refuge in their homes or the countryside not long ago, this series provides a strangely relatable yet profoundly satirical account of medieval individuals doing the same. Despite the constant fear of plague looming over the characters, they find time to humorously focus on matters of lust and superficial concerns instead.

In “The Decameron,” I found myself chuckling at the predicaments of its characters, who seem to keep finding themselves in comically troublesome situations. Despite the grim backdrop of the plague, the nobility in this series don’t seem to be learning any valuable lessons about life’s fragility. Instead, it appears that the plague has only fueled their self-centeredness. They seem to be waiting for the plague to end, as if there’s some sort of magic solution, while carrying on as if the pandemic is just a minor hurdle to overcome. This portrayal of their struggle mirrors how many of us might have navigated recent global events or at least observed others responding in much the same absurd way.

Everyone Is Deceiving Someone in The Decameron

The Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years LaterThe Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years LaterThe Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years LaterThe Decameron Is a Netflix Hit 650 Years Later

In “The Decameron,” an assortment of flawed yet appealing characters are presented, each succumbing to their passions and desires at seemingly every opportunity. The story is engaging due in part to the fact that all these characters seem to be deceiving one another. As the villa’s inhabitants explore their deepest feelings, they must also maintain a facade of respectability amidst a terrifying plague. Pampinea (played by Zosia Mamet), who is betrothed to Leonardo, is a self-indulgent noble who uncovers the truth about the visconte’s demise. In collaboration with Sirisco and her servant, Misia (portrayed by Saoirse-Monica Jackson), she orchestrates a deception that makes it seem as though she married the visconte during a day trip to visit him. Now posing as the viscontess, Pampinea becomes consumed by this new role.

A couple, Panfilo (Karan Gill) and Neifile (Lou Gala), are staying at the villa. While Panfilo secretly yearns for male companionship, Neifile portrays herself as a devout Catholic, but her mind is preoccupied with sexual thoughts. Both seem to be hiding things from each other and the other guests. In an unexpected turn of events, Licisca (Tanya Reynolds), Filomena’s servant, pushes Filomena off a bridge into a river on their way to Leonardo’s villa. Later, upon arriving at the villa, Licisca impersonates Filomena and presents herself as a noblewoman.

At the estate, she eventually encounters Amar Chadha-Patel, who is Dioneto (Tindaro’s doctor), in his private chambers during the night. Filled with intriguing secrets and endless humor, this show is an entertaining spectacle that will leave you laughing heartily. The rapid dialogue and well-crafted characters, along with its distinctive therapeutic viewing experience, make The Decameron a must-watch Netflix series. You can stream all episodes of The Decameron on Netflix right now.

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2024-08-05 05:31