Netflix has added a new period drama that is being hailed as a masterpiece, perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age. Titled The Leopard, this sumptuous series is based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's 1958 novel of the same name, set in 19th century Sicily.
What is The Leopard About?
The six-part Italian period drama follows the Prince of Salina and his aristocratic family during a time of great upheaval. The story is set against the backdrop of the Risorgimento, the unification of Italy, when various states and territories on the Italian peninsula were brought into the Kingdom of Italy. This era was marked by political and social movements, rebellions, and revolutions.
Netflix's summary reads: "Based on what many consider to be one of the greatest Italian novels of all time, The Leopard is a dazzlingly sensuous epic, set against the backdrop of revolution in 1860s Sicily. At its heart is Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina, who leads a life surrounded by beauty and privilege. But as Italy moves towards unification and the old aristocratic order is threatened, he realizes that his family’s future is in jeopardy. New allegiances must be made, each one a threat to his principles. Eventually Don Fabrizio is faced with an impossible choice. He has the power to engineer a marriage, between the rich and beautiful Angelica and his nephew Tancredi, that could secure his family’s legacy, but doing so he would break his favorite daughter, Concetta’s heart. The series will be a modern exploration of timeless themes – power, love, and the cost of progress."
Cast and Critical Acclaim
The show features an impressive cast, including Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, Benedetta Porcaroli as Concetta Corbera di Salina, Saul Nanni as Tancredi Falconeri, and Deva Cassel as Angelica Sedara. Other cast members include Astrid Meloni, Paolo Calabresi, Gaetano Bruno, Francesco Di Leva, Alessandro Sperduti, Jozef Gjura, and Romano Reggiani.
Critics and viewers alike have praised The Leopard. One reviewer gave it a 10/10, saying: "Cinematography is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful period piece; costumes magical. This is a stunningly visually crafted masterpiece of a series." Another called it a "masterpiece," adding: "This is an absolute must-see series! It could have actually been a cinema film, this is the perfection of its film making. An epic construction of story telling, acting, costumes, scenery and music offers an utter delight to watch." A third top-rated review described it as an "absolute masterpiece," noting: "The journey is beautiful, poignant, and brutally honest." Yet another 10/10 review hailed it as a "masterpiece," writing: "I wish there were MORE series like this: based on literature, ravishingly beautiful and (99%) aesthetically accurate." They compared it favorably to The Gilded Age, saying the latter "could learn a lesson from The Leopard's creative team."
The Leopard is now streaming on Netflix.
