The Decameron American TV Series Review

Boccaccio’s “The Decameron” is a 14th-century anthology that revolves around a group of Italian nobles who seek refuge from the Black Plague in the Tuscan countryside. While a centuries-old collection of stories might seem like an obscure choice for our reboot-obsessed culture, it makes sense to revisit “The Decameron” in the wake of another widespread pandemic.

The Decameron American TV Series Review

The Decameron American TV Series Plot Summary:

YouTube (Netflix)

In 1348, as the Black Death ravages Florence, a group of nobles and their servants retreat to the countryside Villa Santa. As they attempt to wait out the plague with wine and sex, the group is forced to confront their hidden motives and desires. As desperation mounts, their forced politeness gives way to mounting chaos, leading to a series of rivalries, reversals, and flirtations that blur the lines of class and morality.

The Decameron American TV Series Cast:

Zosia Mamet as Pampinea
Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Misia
Tanya Reynolds as Licisca
Amar Chadha-Patel as Dioneo
Leila Farzad as Stratilia
Lou Gala as Neifile
Karan Gill as Panfilo
Tony Hale as Sirisco
Douggie McMeekin as Tindaro
Jessica Plummer as Filomena

The Decameron American TV Series Review:

“The Decameron,” the eight-episode limited series created by Kathleen Jordan for Netflix, is loosely inspired by Boccaccio’s original work. Gone is the storytelling structure of the original, replaced by a focus on the Florentine aristocrats and their long-suffering servants cooped up in a villa. The series is a tartly funny showcase for a uniformly excellent ensemble, with executive producer Jenji Kohan adding her signature touch of dark comedy.

What Works:

Sharp Humor: The series balances dark comedy with a witty exploration of class and power dynamics.
Strong Performances: The cast, particularly Tony Hale and Zosia Mamet, deliver standout performances.
Visuals: The authentic set designs and on-location filming in Italy provide a rich historical backdrop.

What Doesn’t Work:

Pacing: Some episodes drag, with certain subplots feeling underdeveloped.
Comparisons to Other Shows: It may not reach the heights of similar confinement-inspired series like “The White Lotus.”

The Decameron American TV Series Cast Performances:

Zosia Mamet as Pampinea is brilliantly shrill, embodying the insecurities of her character.
Tony Hale as Sirisco offers a masterful performance as the villa’s steward.
Tanya Reynolds as Licisca and Leila Farzad as Stratilia deliver compelling portrayals of servants fighting for agency.

Verdict:

“The Decameron” is a clever and engaging retelling of Boccaccio’s classic, offering a fresh take on historical comedy with a modern sensibility. While not perfect, its humor, performances, and thematic depth make it a worthwhile watch.

The Decameron American TV Series Director:

Michael Uppendahl

The Decameron American TV Series Writer:

Kathleen Jordan

Where to Watch The Decameron American TV Series:

Available for streaming on Netflix.

The Decameron American TV Series Rating:

4/5.

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is ‘The Decameron’ about?
It’s a dark comedy set in 1348, where nobles and their servants hide from the Black Plague in a Tuscan villa, leading to chaos and intrigue.
Who created ‘The Decameron’ TV series?
Kathleen Jordan, known for “Teenage Bounty Hunters,” created the series.
Is ‘The Decameron’ TV series faithful to the original book?
The series is very loosely inspired by Boccaccio’s original, focusing more on character dynamics than the storytelling structure of the book.
Who are the main cast members?
The series stars Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Tanya Reynolds, Amar Chadha-Patel, Leila Farzad, and Tony Hale, among others.
Where was ‘The Decameron’ filmed?
Filming took place in Italy, including locations like Cinecittà Studios in Rome and the province of Viterbo.
How many episodes are in ‘The Decameron’?
There are eight episodes in the limited series.
Is ‘The Decameron’ a comedy?
Yes, it’s a black comedy that uses humor to explore themes of class and survival.
Who are the executive producers of ‘The Decameron’?
Kathleen Jordan and Jenji Kohan, among others, served as executive producers.
When was ‘The Decameron’ released on Netflix?
It was released on July 25, 2024.
What makes ‘The Decameron’ stand out among historical series?
Its combination of dark humor, strong performances, and modern sensibilities in a historical setting.