‘The Decameron’ (2024) Netflix Series Review - An Unfortunate and Unwelcomed Project

By far, this might be one of the worst series I've ever seen. Looking at how the show is loosely inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s novels which are considered great in Italy, the makers have made blunders with the adaptation. The characters are shown in such a poor manner that just after the first episode, you'll be forced to rethink your choice of title which was for entertainment purposes. It’s only after the fourth episode that we see a potential yet, that too gets ruined when you notice that the plot ain’t going anywhere. The things included seem unbelievable like how the nobles planned upon taking over their enemies.

In The Decameron, we see the people of Italy going through the Black Plague. There are numerous deaths and surrounding that is a bunch of nobles making fun of the masses and enjoying their privileges. This can be considered satire or inhumane based on the audience’s preference to perceive it. The doctors instead of saving lives are busy filling their pockets by licking the boots of the rich. Make no mistake as the majority of whom are claiming to be doctors are quacks. Amidst all this, some noble families are sent out invitations to spend their time at Village Santa. Another reason why they're being called there is to stay away from pestilence.

The nobles making their way to the villa in hopes of a healthy time faced several unprecedented problems. Little did they know about the drama that was waiting to be unfolded at the villa. There's the issue of marriage, money, and identity seem to take a better place when people are dying. I wouldn't say I like the approach the makers took in depicting the story and the acting is also overdone. There are so many reasons not to watch the show, although when the audience reaches the middle of the show, the hopes of getting something good out of this series get high. In the first half, the characters are living in a bubble but when it bursts, there's nothing but chaos.

Let's introduce you to the crazy clan inhabiting the place. Licisca is the servant of Filomena and due to a struggle between the two, the former claims to be a noble born in front of the others. We also have a God-fearing couple who've given up on their sexual life as it's a sin. The funny thing here is that both partners can be seen lusting over the same man. Other than them is Tindaro and he fears that even a small hiccup can lead to his death. Hence, there's always a doctor by his side. Keep in mind the audience that the doctor will be doing everything except curing his patient.

Pampinea is also a noblewoman however due to her age and temper nobody wants to marry her. She unleashes her band of tantrums which is taken care of by her servant Misia. The 28-year-old is a menace and a sore eye until the very end. Watch The Decameron if you're in for excessive drama which has no relation with logic. There's a lot of bloodshed and many sex scenes have also been included. This was a given as hormones do get high when there's utter chaos everywhere. In all, The Decameron doesn't know the word balance. The ingredients are either too high or not at all, I guess the makers didn't believe in mediocrity.

Final Score – [4/10]
Reviewed by - Riya Singh
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Publisher at Midgard Times