‘Absolutely stunning’ Netflix period drama perfect for Gilded Age fans now streaming
The Leopard, a lavish period drama now streaming on Netflix, offers a sumptuous viewing experience for fans of the Gilded Age and historical dramas. Adapted from Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's 1958 novel of the same name, this six-part Italian series is set in 19th century Sicily and explores the fortunes of the Prince of Salina and his aristocratic family during a turbulent era of great change.
The drama unfolds against the backdrop of the Risorgimento, the unification of Italy, as various states across the Italian peninsula were brought together to form the Kingdom of Italy. During this momentous period, widespread political and social upheaval, along with rebellions and revolutions, preceded the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
According to Netflix's synopsis, the series is based on "what many consider to be one of the greatest Italian novels of all time" and is "a dazzlingly sensuous epic set against the backdrop of revolution in 1860s Sicily." The story centres on Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina, who leads a life surrounded by beauty and privilege. However, as Italy moves towards unification and the old aristocratic order is threatened, he realises that his family's future is in jeopardy. The series explores timeless themes of power, love, and the cost of progress.
The production features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, Benedetta Porcaroli as Concetta Corbera di Salina, Saul Nanni as Tancredi Falconeri, and Deva Cassel as Angelica Sedara.
Viewers have praised the production lavishly. One viewer awarded a perfect 10/10 score, writing: "Cinematography is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful period piece, costumes magical. This is a stunningly visually crafted masterpiece of a series." Another declared it "an absolute must-see series," describing it as "the perfection of its film making" with "an epic construction of storytelling, acting, costumes, scenery and music." A third reviewer called it "an absolute masterpiece," noting that "the journey is beautiful, poignant and brutally honest."