To say a piece of media left one utterly aghast is both a compliment of the highest degree and a genuine insult. But Netflix’s recently released show “Vladimir” — which is as scintillating as it is disturbing — leaves viewers feeling shameful, sensual and with a deep sense of trepidation.
The limited series, which was released March 5, is an eight-episode adaptation of Julia May Jonas’s book of the same name.
Set at a fictional college in upstate New York, the series follows an English professor (Rachel Weisz) dealing with the fallout of her husband’s numerous affairs with undergraduate students and the ensuing Title IX case. While the professor remains nameless for the duration of the show, she has been referred to as “M” in international dubbing credits.
The lack of a name for the protagonist was an intentional choice, according to the novel’s author. In an Interview on a Spotify podcast, Jonas said she wanted readers — and viewers — “to feel inside of her head,” rather than “as if she was an object outside of us.”
This choice was certainly successful — for the entirety of the series, viewers are made increasingly uneasy as each character makes impulsive decisions, particularly the leading professor, emphasizing the drama component of the show’s comedy-drama genre.
The show’s primary storyline is the lustful relationship between the protagonist and Vladimir (Leo Woodall), a recently hired assistant professor who is significantly younger than the protagonist. In far too many scenes, she can be seen fantasizing about Vladimir, both in public — like at a faculty meeting — and in private.
To make matters worse, Vladimir is married with a child — and his wife Cynthia (Jessica Henwick) also works as an adjunct professor at the university following a stay at an psychiatric facility due to a suicide attempt.
On top of Weisz’s stellar acting, the performance of her castmates are outstanding — not a single casting choice felt misplaced. The protagonist’s husband, John (John Slattery), is successfully portrayed as an unabashed, self-absorbed and alluring professor. Having been removed from his position as head of the English department, viewers are at times forced to empathize with him. Ultimately, though, the sum of his egregious behavior comes to light.
The professors’ daughter, Sid (Ellen Robertson), a lawyer who follows in her parents’ adulterous footsteps a little too closely, is also spectacularly cast. Her character adds an extremely compelling subplot as she attempts to right the wrongs of her relationship with her girlfriend Alexis (Tattiawna Jones).
The show is wrought with complexity. It tackles questions of consent and agency head-on, presenting legitimate points about undergraduates being conscientious adults capable of consenting to sex, while also exploring the power imbalance that emerges between a department chair and students.
At times, it appears that the show takes on a little too much in terms of the plot. But “Vladimir” is able to successfully reflect the complexities of real life, something television is often unable to reflect — which may be part of what makes the show such a refreshing watch.
Talia LeVine is a section editor covering arts and culture. They study Political Science and Visual Art with a focus on photography. In their free time, they can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee.
