agmtw logo
search

The Decameron

The Decameron

6.6

Though it starts with a bang, this medieval pandemic comedy quickly fizzles out

TV Show

United States of America
English
Comedy, Drama
2024

TLDR

It’s loads of fun! But there’s not enough substance to ground it into something truly memorable.

What it's about

Based on the 14th-century book of the same name, the series chronicles the lives of upper-class Italians escaping the bubonic plague and finding refuge (or so they think) in a countryside villa.

The take

Coming fresh off the heels of shows like My Lady Jane and The Great, The Decameron already feels familiar, if somewhat predictable, in its attempt to be irreverent and anachronistic. It’s funny, at first, and a delight to look at—the sharp medieval gowns and raw Italian forests feel refreshing when soft pastel costumes and refined palaces are usually the norm in these types of shows. But it also feels overlong and uneven. The cast is stacked, both by new faces and comedy veterans, but the latter easily steal the show. Tony Hale (Veep), Zosia Mamet (Girls), and Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls) carry scenes on their backs, and I find myself waiting for the story to return to them to retain an inkling of interest.

What stands out

Mamet and Jackson are easily the funniest duo in this crowded group. More of them please!

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

More like this in

Ethos

A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality

9.9

Black Doves

A tale of espionage, romance, and friendship all tied in a neat bow, just in time for Christmas

8.1

One Hundred Years of Solitude

An ambitious mini-series that succeeds in adapting the classic magic realist novel

8.0

Caliphate

A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.

8.9

Say Nothing

A powerful take on the Northern Ireland conflict that smartly shows all sides

8.5

Occupied

Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.

8.7

Pretend it’s a City

A wildly entertaining series of interviews with a New York legend

9.2

Unorthodox

A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community

8.5

Escape at Dannemora

Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast

9.3

The Sticky

Margo Martindale stands out in this true-story-based Canadian maple syrup heist

7.1

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.