Summary
Zosia Mamet’s role inThe Decameronisn’t her first time nailing the absurdity of a period comedy, as the actor notably guest starred in Apple TV+’s masterfulDickinson. Still, Mamet takes her comedic abilities to new heights in her latest project. DubbedNetflix’s “newBridgerton,“The Decameronactually couldn’t be further from Shonda Rhimes' well-mannered period romance. Instead,the adaptation of Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century collection of short stories aims to be a raunchy comedyset during the 1300s. However, so far the response to the eight-episode medieval black comedy has been mixed.
Thehistory ofThe Decameronbookis just as fascinating as the work’s unique structure. Boccaccio uses a clever framing device to tell his 100 tales, with each short story being told by a group of young men and women who shelter in a secluded villa during the height of the Black Death.The Decameron’s Black Plagueis certainly a key element of the narrative, and the miniseries really leans in to the all-too-familiar pandemic premise. DespiteThe Decameron’s castof comedic greats,the Netflix series struggles to find its groove — unlike the always-funny Mamet.
The Actor Plays “Little Women” Author Louisa May Alcott
Dickinson
Dickinson is a comedy series starring Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld. Dickinson audaciously explores the constraints of society, gender, and family from the perspective of the rebellious young poet Emily Dickinson, all while putting a modern spin on the period piece era’s tone. The show takes liberties with this retelling of the Author’s life while attempting to stay faithful to her history.
One of thebest guest stars on Apple TV+‘sDickinson, Zosia Mamet plays novelistLouisa May Alcott, the 19th-century feminist and abolitionist who is best known for writingLittle Women. As the title of the series suggests,Dickinsonfocuses on another famous Massachusetts-based writer from the 1800s: poet Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld). While Emily didn’t really publish poems during her lifetime, Louisa was a boundary-pushing published author. In the show, Emily grapples with the idea of being known — of giving her poems to an audience outside of her friend-turned-lover Sue (Ella Hunt).
Dickinson’s take on Louisa May Alcott — a strange but dedicated workaholic — is comedy gold…
When Mamet’s Louisa May Alcott is introduced toDickinson’s cast of charactersin season 1, Emily is excited about meeting a fellow woman writer. However, things take something of a turn when Louisa is incredibly odd — andveryintense. While Emily is portrayed as someone who needs to write poems to exorcise and understand her feelings,Louisa explains over dinner that she’s all about “the hustle.“Dickinson’s take on Louisa May Alcott — a strange but dedicated workaholic — is comedy gold, thanks in large part to Zosia Mamet’s incredible performance opposite Steinfeld’s equally incredible Emily.
Dickinson Season 3 Cast Wanted A Musical Episode: Why It Couldn’t Happen
Dickinson star Ella Hunt says the cast wanted a fully musical episode in season 3 but it couldn’t happen because of COVID limitations.
Dickinson Is One Of The Best Period Comedies That Features Modern Elements
Hailee Steinfeld’s Dickinson Helped Usher In A New Genre
Created by Alena Smith,Hailee Steinfeld’sDickinsonis streaming’s most underrated show— even three years after it came to an end. With its anachronistic song choices and sometimes-modern dialogue,the three-season period dramedy was definitely ahead of its time, helping to launch what’s become a massive television trend and comedy sub-genre. While Steinfeld’s Emily and Hunt’s Sue form the emotional core of the series, the stellar ensemble also includes great series regulars, like Anna Baryshnikov (Love Lies Bleeding) and Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), and wonderful guests, like Ziwe (Ziwe) and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear).
How Netflix’s The Decameron Show Compares To The Book
The Decameron takes its name from the 14th century book by Giovanni Boccaccio, set during the Black Plague, but are there any other connections?
How Zosia Mamet’s Dickinson Role Uniquely Prepared Her For The Decameron
Dickinson’s Louisa May Alcott Is Also Delightfully Absurd
AlthoughZosia Mamet cut her comedy chops in HBO’sGirls, it’s herDickinsonrole that really prepared the actor forThe Decameron. In the Netflix show, Mamet plays an unmarried noble woman named Pampinea. Considered older, Pampinea is dead-set on marrying the owner of the Tuscan villa at the center ofThe Decameron. Mamet’s signature delivery, and ability to lean into the unhinged while keeping a straight face, is admirable. That said, for viewers who can’t get enough of Zosia Mamet’s comedic flair,Dickinsonis the perfect show to watch while waiting for news aboutThe Decameronseason 2.
The Decameronseason 1 is streaming on Netflix.
The Decameron
In 1348 Italy, a group of nobles and their servants seek refuge in a grand villa from the bubonic plague. As they attempt to wait out the pandemic, their interactions reveal class tensions and personal secrets. The show blends dark comedy with historical drama, examining survival and societal divides in a crisis.
