Co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios with Mattia Guerra, Stefano Massenzi, Andrea Occhipinti for Lucky Red, Gigolò per caso is directed by Eros Puglielli and stars Pietro Sermonti and Christian De Sica in lead roles. Alongside them, the 6-episode Italian series stars Ambra Angiolini, Frank Matano, Asia Argento, Claudio Gregori (Greg), Antonio Bannò, Francesco Bruni, Giorgia Arena, with Marco Messeri, Sandra Milo, and Stefania Sandrelli.
Drowning in his own debt, Alfonso comes to the shocking realisation that his father, Giacomo, who’s just had a heart attack, is a gigolo and not, as he was previously under the impression, an antique dealer. Faced with the realisation that he might be losing his thumb (or more), Alfonso goes against all of his instincts and decides to help his father out to get rid of both of their problems.
Based on this short description of the story alone, the Italian series seems like a rollercoaster of insanity unfolding one after another. With its warm and familiar (yet insane) setting, there’s something deeply relatable about Alfonso’s predicaments that will make you pity him. He’s a pitiable man, one who is sensitive and nice but missing a spine nonetheless. Thus, when he finally decides to take a stand for himself, it feels good, and you look forward to him getting control over his life.
A big part of the series is the dynamic between Alfonso and his father Giacomo. It’s both funny and a little concerning, and their push-and-pull dynamic keeps the series flowing for the most part. The two men have a really good chemistry working for them, while Alfonso’s relationship with the different clients gives us a look into his character as he tries to understand himself and gives him an interesting arc. His moments with the clients are also quite funny, forming smaller moments of humour while the overarching storyline grounds the characters and their own unique problems.
However, even at 30 minutes per episode, the series feels a little repetitive after a bit. Not the general storyline, which is quite interesting, but the meeting of different women with different temperaments gets a bit old, even though all of them are their own kinds of crazy. I am also a little unsure where we stand with the whole hubbub surrounding feminism. I don’t know why it was introduced and was made such a big deal in the first few episodes when it doesn’t really add anything to the story… other than showcasing it a bit negatively after a bit.
Pietro Sermonti and Christian De Sica are quite entertaining in this show, which is silly and emotional. Their familial connection and past work together to create an engaging watch. The rest of the cast is also great, and the women that come into Alfonso’s life are entertaining and are a different flavour of crazy. It’s very entertaining to watch.
Gigolò per caso Review: Final Thoughts
All in all, Gigolò per caso is a very weird and funny TV show that brings forth a man’s unique problems and their unique solutions. These moments will keep you hooked to the screen, while the protagonist’s arc will keep you emotionally invested in where the storyline is going. In the end, this is a funny and easy watch that won’t make your brain work too hard while giving you the necessary entertainment.
The series is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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