Vladimir Review: When the new colleague at her college leaves a seasoned professor hot and bothered, things start to spiral, especially since her husband, the dean, is being investigated for sexual misconduct.
Vladimir Netflix Cast
Rachel Weisz, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Jessica Henwick, Ellen Robertson, Matt Walsh
Vladimir Series Directors
Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini, Francesca Gregorini, Josephine Bornebusch
The series has 8 episodes, each with a runtime of around 30 minutes. It is based on the novel Vladimir by Julia May Jonas.
Vladimir Review
If watching deliciously twisted and disturbing shows that fall in the so-bad-it’s-good category is your jam, then Netflix’s Vladimir, showcasing an unethical relationship between Rachel Weisz’s nameless protagonist and Leo Woodall’s Vladimir, will be right up your alley. It’s a guilty pleasure for sure, one that has nothing to say, yet a lot to say.
Adapted from Julia May Jonas’s novel of the same name, the series follows Weisz, frustrated with the situation involving her dean husband’s suspension for sexual misconduct, gets pulled into an irresistable extra martial affair with the new teacher, leaving destruction in its wake. Weisz anchors the show with her fantastic portrayal of the morally complex professor whose life unravels as obsession takes hold. It’s deeply uncomfortable and oddly indecent. There are moments when it’s also extremely cringeworthy. However, there’s a charisma in the way the series chooses to tell us about this crazy relationship that, despite all of these negative feelings, leaves us thoroughly hooked to the runtime.
The series showcases many different things, including commenting on the depths of obsession and our politically correct society’s pitfalls. However, it doesn’t really commit to any of those things. Thus, these feelings feel fleeting and unimportant, although a deeper thought makes you take a second look. This is a mash between a scandal drama and a social commentary, but whatever it is, it grips you in an uncomfortable chokehold that refuses to let go until the very end. Centring on perception, desire and self-reflection, the series does a good job of creating an ambiguity around its characters, so much so that it adds to the interest of watching the situation unfold.
Moreover, Vladimir simply looks fantastic. Apart from the ambiguity of the characters and situations, the series does a great job with its cinematography and set designs, leaving us to be pulled into the experience of watching this juicy and seductive drama. With such an important topic, such as romance between teachers and students, you’d expect more answers and resolutions. However, the Netflix series does none of that and simply presents a chaotic and off-putting story before us and makes us look at our society with our own eyes. The characters are terrible, and it’s hard to root for anyone, but the series does a great job of making us want to watch them with wonder!
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In the end, I have never watched a show that made me as confused as this one. Showcasing desire overtaking sensibilities coming out and destroying everything (or does it?) is one hell of a drug, and the series brings that to the screen in such a way that it left me in disbelief. It’s equal measures disturbing to watch the protagonist make these absurd choices for selfish reasons, but some moments are so relatable that you can’t even ignore them. It’s a divisive show for sure, one that can leave viewers with a million thoughts in their heads.
Final Thoughts
Vladimir is an odd cookie. While it’s named after Leo Woodall’s character, it showcases an emotional cocktail that we might not be ready to witness. It’s abrasive, off-putting and sometimes even a bit insulting. However, in the end, it did make me think about repression and what relationships really mean. There’s a ton of social issues showcased here without a second of reflection but it definitely stays in your head after the credits roll.
What are your thoughts on Vladimir? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Vladimir Ending Explained: Are the Protagonist’s Desires Fulfilled? Do Vladimir and John Die?