Netflix’s new limited series Vladimir, based on Julia May Jonas’s 2022 novel, explores the solidarity that often surrounds the accused in the wake of Me Too allegations. The show follows an unnamed creative writing professor, played by Rachel Weisz, who lives with her husband John (John Slattery), a fellow academic placed on leave after being accused of affairs with students. Their lives are further disrupted by the arrival of a new visiting tutor, Vladimir (Leo Woodall), whose presence stirs temptation and obsession.
The series delves into the professor’s unfulfilled desires and her decision to stand by her husband despite the mounting accusations. The narrative challenges modern sensibilities, set in a liberal arts college environment that the show portrays as overly concerned with political correctness. Characters include a student identifying as “gynosexual” and Vladimir’s wife Cynthia (Jessica Henwick), who relies on melatonin gummies, highlighting a contrast between today’s youth and the sexual liberation of the past.
Weisz’s character is depicted as unlikeable and at times sociopathic, with her internal monologue breaking the fourth wall. The show’s tone and ending may divide viewers. While the premise subverts typical narratives by focusing on the wife’s perspective rather than the accused man’s, the execution feels familiar in a landscape of “post-woke” television. The Netflix aesthetic—with contemporary pop hits and vibrant colours—further dilutes the edginess of Jonas’s script.
Despite strong performances, particularly from Weisz and Woodall, Vladimir struggles to stand out. The series arrives late to the trend of critiquing “snowflakes” and political correctness, and its reliance on familiar tropes may leave audiences wanting more originality.
