Anna Daniels
Get ready for a revolutionary new TV series with the teaser trailer of “The Prodigal Son” by Director Joe Wright. Scheduled for a debut at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, this highly anticipated show follows the chilling journey of Benito Mussolini, the infamous Italian dictator who brought fascism to the country. Combining historical drama with cutting-edge aesthetics, Wright has put together a series that is visually stunning and narratively gripping.
Adapted from the bestseller by Antonio Scurati, “The Prodigal Son” presents a fresh perspective on Mussolini’s rise to power. It delves into the manipulation of democracy leading to dictatorship, offering a timely reminder of the vulnerability of political systems. Wright’s distinctive style, seen in films like “Pride & Prejudice” and “Atonement,” is evident in this mini-series, blending ’90s rave culture with the avant-garde visuals of the 1929 film “Man with a Movie Camera” from Ukraine.
Enhancing the series’ unique atmosphere is a techno soundtrack by Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers. This contemporary, pulsating music is set to juxtapose the historical background, creating a mix of eras that is both unconventional and deeply captivating. Wright describes the soundtrack as a fusion of ’90s rave culture and classic gangster film scores, setting the tone for a series that defies norms.
The talented cast includes Luca Marinelli in the lead role of “M” (Mussolini), known for his performances in “The Eight Mountains” and “Martin Eden,” along with Francesco Russo, Barbara Chichiarelli, Benedetta Cimatti, Lorenzo Zurzolo, Gaetano Bruno, and Paolo Pierobon among others. Shot entirely at Rome’s famous Cinecittà Studios, the show boasts high production values, with a screenplay by Stefano Bises and Davide Serino.
“The Prodigal Son” is backed by a stellar executive team including Valerio Bonelli, Simone Gattoni, Pablo Larraín, Paolo Sorrentino, Francesco Tatò, and Joe Wright. While the series is set to stream on Sky TV in 2025, its premiere at the Venice Film Festival hints at a show that will make waves in the industry.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of Wright’s previous works, or just looking for something fresh and thought-provoking, “The Prodigal Son” is a must-see. Keep an eye out for updates and get ready to be enthralled by this bold exploration of Italy’s tumultuous history.
M. Son of the Century | Official Teaser Trailer | Sky
The story of a nation that fell under the grip of dictatorship and the man who manipulated democracy to rise to power. Luca Marinelli plays Benito Mussolini in the new series M- Son of the Century, directed by Joe Wright, based on the bestseller by Antonio Scurati, winner of the Premio Strega.
