The Decameron

Netflix's The Decameron: A Plague of Laughs or Misery?

Netflix’s 'The Decameron' retells Boccaccio’s classic with a side of irreverent humor and class satire. Is it worth the watch?

Netflix’s latest venture, 'The Decameron,' dives headfirst into the 14th century with an audacious retelling of Giovanni Boccaccio’s anthology. The series, described as a black comedy, waves its irreverent flag high as it transforms the medieval tales into a modern satire of class warfare amidst the bleak backdrop of the Black Plague. With a cast led by Zosia Mamet and Tony Hale, the series ambitiously tries to juggle elements of erotica, tragedy, and comedy, all while maintaining the lengthy narrative style of its source material. But has it succeeded? Critics are divided.

While some hail the series for its shrewd humor and audacious rebellion against traditional storytelling, others lament its adherence to length and sometimes ponderous pacing. One thing is clear – 'The Decameron' is not afraid to take liberties with Boccaccio’s original works, infusing them with contemporary relevance and biting satire. However, not everyone is charmed by its irreverent approach. Detractors argue that the show misses a golden opportunity to draw poignant parallels between the historical Black Plague and the more recent global pandemic, drifting too often into slapstick territory.

The show features a range of tales told by guests waiting out the plague in a secluded Tuscan villa, delivering narrative arcs that span erotica, tragedy, and comedy. Over its eight-episode run, 'The Decameron' aims to keep viewers invested with its unpredictable storylines and vibrant character dynamics but struggles to maintain momentum. The ambitious blend of genres is a hit-or-miss for many viewers, making it a polarizing piece of television.

Interestingly, while 'The Decameron' the book was penned in the 1350s, its exploration of human folly and resilience remains relevant today. Boccaccio’s work is a cornerstone of Italian literature, praised for its candid treatment of sexuality and social commentary. The new series aims to retain this spirit while modernizing the themes for today’s audience. Whether the Netflix adaptation of 'The Decameron' scales the heights of its literary predecessor or sinks under its own weight is for viewers to decide.

Did you know that Boccaccio's original 'Decameron' is one of the earliest instances of framing a narrative with a group of characters telling stories to each other? This 'frame narrative' technique has influenced countless literary works, from Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales' to modern film and television storytelling.

Another intriguing fact is that the original 'Decameron' delved into rather taboo subjects for its time. Boccaccio's candid explorations of sexuality, power dynamics, and human vice have kept readers intrigued for centuries, cementing its place as a timeless and provocative piece of literature.