Netflix Italy's first original series 'Suburra' debuts

Netflix has launched its first Italian original series, 'Suburra – La Serie', based on the novel by Giancarlo De Cataldo and Carlo Bonini and the 2015 film directed by Stefano Sollima. The 10-episode series, each about an hour long, premiered with the first two episodes at the 74th Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Michele Placido, Andrea Molaioli, and Giuseppe Capotondi, it explores the criminal underworld of Rome and Ostia, intertwining politics, church, and crime before the events of the film and the Roma Capitale scandal. Key characters include Numero 8 (Alessandro Borghi), Spadino (Giacomo Ferrara), Lele (Eduardo Valdarnini), Sara Monaschi (Claudia Gerini), Amedeo Cinaglia (Filippo Nigro), Samurai (Francesco Acquaroli), and Manfredi Anacleti (Adamo Dionisi). The series is noted for its raw and bitter narrative, focusing on the clash between Roman organized crime and petty criminals, as well as blood ties. The motto 'Se nasce soli, se more soli' (You are born alone, you die alone) drives the characters' defensive and criminal behavior. While the series is not groundbreaking, it offers a realistic portrayal of corruption and survival. A second season is anticipated.