Netflix’s upcoming release, The Decameron, is a historical dramedy that may offer a much-needed break from the monotony of everyday life – as long as you are comfortable with themes of sex, scandal, nobility, and the Black Death.
The Decameron was first announced in 2022 with its main cast, which included Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Tanya Reynolds from Sex Education, Amar Chadha-Patel from Willow, and several others completing the group lineup.
Despite the long wait for its release on Netflix, many are eagerly anticipating the premiere of the “soapy dramedy”that addresses issues of class, power dynamics, and a major problem, with a hint of humor and lightness. Fans are excited to see what the series has in store, especially after seeing the first-look images.
Within the series, there will be plenty of events that will catch the attention and cause laughter, as a group of main characters become entangled in a dangerous epidemic.
The Decameron
Taking place in the year 1348, a gathering of aristocrats and their attendants flee to a countryside estate near Florence in order to wait out the devastating Black Death. However, their refuge quickly becomes a battle for their lives.
The privilege of being wealthy and noble is the ability to distance oneself from the suffering of peasants and seek refuge from a deadly plague. In The Decameron, the nobles and their servants entertain themselves by sharing scandalous and outrageous tales.
According to Netflix, the series shares a similar premise to Lord of the Flies, but with a twist. As social rules fade and time passes, the initial orgy of wealth and alcohol turns into a fierce battle for survival.
Plummer, who portrays Filomena, explains the show as, “It’s similar to Love Island, but set in the past.”She adds, “There’s plenty of drama, romance, and wild antics.”
The Decameron: Who’s in the cast?
The cast list will feature well-known actors such as Amar Chadha-Patel, known for his role in Willow, along with a total of 10 main members. Check out the full list of the cast below:
- Amar Chadha-Patel as Dioneo
- Saoirse-Monica Jackson of Misia
- Tony Hale as Sirisco
- Zosia Mamet as Pampinea
- Tanya Reynolds as Licisca
- Leila Farzad as Stratilia
- Lou Gala as Neifile
- Jessica Plummer as Filomena
- Karan Gill as Panphilus
- Douggie McMeekin as Tindaro
Chadha-Patel has been cast as Dioneo, a physician caught in a difficult position between the lower and upper classes due to his occupation. Additionally, Farzad will portray Stratilia, a clever and astute woman integral to the villa’s functioning, who strives to maintain distance and protect her hidden truths.
Gala joins them as Neifile, a woman who is both God-fearing and highly libidinous. Despite her paradoxical nature, her time at the villa brings about a profound transformation. Gill portrays Panfilo, the clever and charismatic son of a wealthy political family who holds considerable influence within the villa. Derry Girls star Jackson takes on the role of a servant to Pampinea, who takes great pleasure in her work.
Is The Decameron Based on a Book?
The Netflix series is indeed adapted from short stories written by Giovanni Boccaccio, an Italian author from the 14th century.
Devoted enthusiasts of literature or academics would have easily understood the concept behind the Netflix series. Based on Boccaccio’s original work, the series portrays 100 tales from seven women and three men seeking shelter in a secluded villa near Florence during the outbreak of the Black Death.
The series’ creator and showrunner, Kathleen Jordan, described Boccaccio’s stories as “short, sexually-charged tales.”She used these tales as a basis to delve into the theme of class inequality during a time of crisis. The show explores how the affluent handle a severe and perilous disease compared to the average person without the same resources for survival.
The Decameron: Is There a Set Release Date?
The Decameron is scheduled for release on Netflix in July, although an exact date has not been confirmed at this time.
It was additionally revealed that the series will consist of eight episodes, each with a duration of one hour.
Is there a trailer for The Decameron?
Netflix has not yet released a full trailer, but they have shared first-look photos.
Your first look at The Decameron premiering this July! Starring Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Tanya Reynolds, Amar Chadha-Patel, Jessica Plummer, Douggie McMeekin, Karan Gill, Lou Gala, and Leila Farzad.When the Black Death strikes, nobles and servants retreat… pic.twitter.com/BbWAsfwomG
— Netflix (@netflix) May 8, 2024
With the release of The Decameron on Netflix, viewers can expect to see a variety of new series and K-dramas joining the streaming platform this month.
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