Netflix's new limited series 'Vladimir,' based on Julia May Jonas's debut novel, stars Rachel Weisz as a middle-aged professor grappling with writer's block and insecurity. The show, which also features Leo Woodall as the titular Vladimir and John Slattery as Weisz's husband, attempts to tackle themes of changing sexual mores, aging, infidelity, and cancel culture. However, despite Weisz's magnetic performance, the series struggles to translate the novel's subjective intensity to the screen.
The narrative follows Weisz's unnamed narrator, who directly addresses the camera in a style reminiscent of 'Fleabag.' Her husband faces a Title IX hearing for affairs with students, and she becomes infatuated with the new, younger colleague Vladimir. The series opens with a flash-forward to Vladimir tied to a chair, but the device of showing the protagonist's fantasies through slow-motion cutaways becomes repetitive and fails to advance the plot.
While the chemistry between Weisz and Woodall is noted, the series suffers from pacing issues and underdeveloped supporting characters. The couple's daughter Sid and John's accusers are portrayed with broad stereotypes, undermining nuance. The show also delays revealing the mechanics of the couple's open marriage, creating frustrating vagueness. Overall, 'Vladimir' is an imperfect adaptation that, while amusing as farce, never reaches its potential climax.
