After watching “The Decameron,” it’s clear we need more medieval black comedies in our lives. Just hours after its release, the show climbed to the top of the charts in almost every country where the streamer is available.
As its name suggests, it takes inspiration from the Italian short-story collection by Giovanni Boccaccio. This is the eighth adaptation of the work for film and television.
The reviews are mixed: some critics find it offensive for its bizarre departure from the original material, while others praise its quirky characteristics as what make it stand out.
‘The Decameron’ made it to the Top 10 on Netflix US
Whenever famous artistic works are adapted by streaming platforms, everyone rushes to watch. So, it’s no surprise to see “The Decameron” ranking No. 6 on Netflix in the United States.
However, the show’s appeal goes beyond the mere fact of being an adaptation. It has quickly surpassed “Master of the House” and “Homicide,” two standout titles of July, and is on track to outshine “Simone Biles Rising,” despite the gymnast’s rising popularity due to her participation in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Set in 1348, the series depicts the Black Death causing chaos and fear in Florence. To escape the plague, a group of nobles and their servants flee to Villa Santa in the countryside for what they hope will be a partying holiday, but it turns into a survival challenge.
The cast features both experienced actors and rising stars, including Amar Chadha-Patel, Leila Farzad, Lou Gala, Karan Gill, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Zosia Mamet, Jessica Plummer, and more.
While the plot has received mixed reviews, the production’s score, period-accurate settings and costumes have been consistently praised. It is a good option to binge while we wait for the fourth season of “Bridgerton” (if you can take a darker tone).
