Netflix continues with its summer releases with a new comedic adaptation of a literary classic that will resonate with fans of the medieval era: The Decameron. Inspired by the homonymous work of Giovanni Boccaccio written in the 14th century, this new series aims to bring this unique blend of drama, humor, and historical elements to our times… in its own way.
Undoubtedly, The Decameron approaches the irreverence and uninhibited tone of Game of Thrones, but with a much greater dose of comedy. Come on, don’t expect dragons or epic jousting battles, but do expect jokes about the bubonic plague and everything it contracted at the time.
Escaping the Plague
The plot of The Decameron takes place in the year 1348, when the black plague ravages Florence. In this context, a group of nobles, in search of escaping the deadly epidemic, retreat with their servants to a luxurious villa in the Italian countryside. But what initially presents itself as a hedonistic vacation, full of wine and sexual depravity, soon transforms into a desperate struggle for survival as the quarantine is prolonged.
Giovanni Boccaccio wrote The Decameron as a collection of one hundred stories told by ten young nobles who take refuge from the plague. But the series from Netflix, created by Kathleen Jordan, takes this premise and transforms it into a darkly comedic telenovela. The characters, like in the original work, take turns telling stories that range from witty to outrageous, but with a modern twist that explores class disparity and social tensions in times of crisis, reminding the viewer of recent experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic.
To capture the comedic tone of the series, a cast known for their talent in comedy has been chosen. Among them are Tony Hale (Veep), Zosia Mamet (Girls), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls), and Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education). The production is led by Jenji Kohan (Orange Is the New Black) and the episodes are directed by Michael Uppendahl (Ratched, American Crime Story).
