JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
Sep 26, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
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