Nicola Guaglianone
Suburra

"Suburra - The Series" is an excellent example of television entertainment. A noir that expands the view of Stefano Sollima's film, changing various characters and maintaining others, deepening the characterizations and always keeping the attention high, also thanks to the great rhythm. The narrative twists work fairly well, although with some forcefulness, especially converging in the second part, a period in which the series gives its best. What is missing, in my opinion, is that dark atmosphere that was felt in the film, with the rain falling continuously, a sign that there was no escape for anyone. Not to mention the music, here secondary and not very present, in the film those by M83, which made it even more special. It will be necessary to see if this first season will be like a prologue (or prequel) to the second series and if these elements will be present. The potential is there.

The absence of Sollima is felt, not only in the atmosphere but also in the direction of the actors. Alessandro Borghi, a great actor, among the best, reprises the role of Aureliano Adami, future "Number 8". Giacomo Ferrara (whom I appreciated in Amendola's "Il Permesso") as Spadino, is undoubtedly a good actor, however, his performance has its ups and downs (too much overacting at times). The other protagonist, in the role of the punch, the cop's son (besides, I noticed after a few episodes that it could be a modification of the character played in the film by Elio Germano, indeed a great actor), is absolutely the worst on the field, an actor fit for soap-opera. The other supporting actors, neither here nor there (with the exceptions of the actors playing Manfredi, the head of the Anacleti clan, and Livia, Aureliano's sister, truly very good and born for their roles). Gerini, on the other hand, shows a decline after the last convincing performances. Acquaroli as "Samurai" fares poorly compared to Amendola, who could have contributed greatly to the series.

In comparison to a similar series like "Gomorrah", "Suburra" loses out in terms of climax, atmosphere, direction, cinematography, performances, and realism. However, "Suburra" certainly has its merits, such as the empathy you feel for the character of Aureliano and partly for Spadino (in "Gomorrah" you can't feel empathy for the characters); not to mention the relationships that are formed and their characterizations, perhaps even superior to "Gomorrah". And the Roman setting always has that immortal charm, which Naples, as beautiful as it may be, in my opinion, does not have. As much as "Gomorrah" is objectively superior in many aspects, personally I don't have the urge to see the third season. Instead, for "Suburra", I'm already ready for the second.