The Leopard Review: Deliciously Bingeable

The Leopard Review | Leisurebyte

Director: Tom Shankland, Giuseppe Capotondi, Laura Luchetti

Date Created: 2025-03-05 13:30

Editor's Rating:
4

In this Netflix period drama series set against the backdrop of revolution in 1860s Sicily, Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina, faces an impossible choice as his privilege and life of opulence are threatened as Italy moves towards unification and the old ways are left behind. Desperate to secure the legacy and financial security of his family, he decides to get the rich and powerful Angelica to marry his nephew Tancredi, but in doing so he must break his daughter’s heart. With not many options in front of him, what choice will Don Fabrizio make?

The series has 6 episodes, each with a runtime of around 60 minutes and is based on The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. It is a modern retelling of a classic tale.

The Leopard Review

In The Leopard, we see the winds of change blowing among breathtaking sights through which men ride on horseback… and sometimes get murdered. The series is a showcase of the age-old saying — the only constant is change. It brings forth what happens when a wealthy, misogynistic man who is set on his ways and refuses to believe the impending war that threatens to take away everything that he holds dear is challenged regarding his ideals in the most delicious way possible. The moral hypocrisy and dilemma are nothing short of bingeable and the series makes us laugh while being baffled about the protagonist’s decisions surrounding an imminent change.

Following Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, the series showcases the push and pull of everyone in his family as Italy sees a great change and questions what one can do in such a circumstance. Agree to it or fight to keep the status quo? Of course, there’s time for romance in the midst of war, as is with all great tales, and these dramatic sequences make The Leopard a must watch this week.

There isn’t a moment when the story doesn’t feel absolutely thrilling. Whether it’s people having conversations or stolen glances between the characters, there’s drama and excited anticipation around every corner. The mix between the thrill of the war and the thrill of the romance forms a delicious watch for viewers who love themselves some history, especially when the packaging is so beautiful.

Part of the kudos belongs to Kim Rossi Stuart, who is absolutely fantastic as the Prince of Sicily. He’s both soft and strict, playing off his emotions beautifully as he faces unknown problems in these unstable times. I think the original character was supposed to be a bit tragic, a relic of its times, but here the leopard is more watchable and less pitiable. He’s a chameleon with a range of different emotions.

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Of course, in a series such as this, the discussion surrounding class disparities and sexual repression becomes a priority. Of course, nothing is too in-your-face and most of it is done in a nuanced way and the series does a great job of presenting this old story in a modern light. It’s a relatable story showcased in a shiny exterior that looks absolutely mesmerising in every frame and everyone’s individual journeys are given excellent attention to detail, so much so that you will be lost in the tale by the end of the first episode.

The real fun, though, comes along when Tancredi meets Angelica Sedara and is mesmerised by her. The doe-eyed Concetta is obviously heartbroken by everything that has suddenly befallen her. The deliciousness is in every scene, but of course, this is no Bridgerton and, at any point, someone can get killed for looking at someone else wrong. As I said, thrilling all around.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this story is one about our mortalities. Things are ending all around the Prince of Sicily and not in a good way as he tries to control everything that he has for so long. Is control possible in such a situation? Probably, or maybe not. Regardless, The Leopard is thoroughly engaging throughout and will catch your fancy in more ways than one.

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