A satirical comedy drama slash erotic thriller starring Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall? Count us in. Netflix’s highly anticipated new series Vladimir, based on the book by Julia May Jonas, arrives on streaming today. It follows the thrilling relationship that a down-on-her-luck college professor (M) embarks on with her younger hot-shot colleague (played by Woodall), despite the risks to both of their personal and professional lives. Here’s everything you need to know:

What is Valdimir about?

Vladimir centres on an unnamed, middle-aged English professor (Weiz), only known as “M”. When we first meet her, her life is in a difficult spot: her once promising writing career is now going nowhere, and fewer and fewer students are signing up for her classes. Julia May Jonas, who also creates and is the head writer on the adaptation, said to Netflix’s Tudum about Weiz’s character that “She’s relatable because of her insecurities about ageing.” Her marriage has also frayed, leading her to feel undesired and vulnerable. Enter her handsome new colleague, the titular Vladimir, played by Woodall. The young writer joins the faculty alongside his wife, Cynthia (Jessica Henwick), but he and M immediately feel a connection.

As M’s fascination deepens with Vladimir, her fantasies will cause a clash between her personal and professional life at the college, and she knows it could cause disastrous consequences. But she finds her muse and object of her obsession has broken her writer’s block, and she can’t resist where it takes her. While the series is a blend of comedy and drama, there are deeper themes here about how desire can both exhilarate and complicate one’s sense of self.

In addition to Weisz and Woodall, Vladimir also features John Slattery as the M’s husband, whose difficult relationship with his wife and their open relationship adds an extra layer of conflict to the narrative, while Ellen Robertson, Kayla Carter and Matt Walsh also star.

UK release date

Vladimir premieres globally on Netflix today, 5th March, with all eight episodes available to stream at once. It’s perfect for your next binge-watch. Watch the trailer below.

Watch the trailer

The official trailer released by Netflix gives a tantalising glimpse at the chemistry between Weisz and Woodall, which glues the whole series together. It also previews the mix of satirical comedy and genuine drama that’ll have you desperate for the next episode.

Culture, Films & TV

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