Suburra Blood On Rome. Netflix 2015-2020

From the first scene of a nude priest at a private orgy falling down from a heart attack, we know we are in a strange land. That land is the eternal city of Rome and the neighborhood of Suburra that dates back to ancient times where corruption still hovers over this very old neighborhood like miserable pigeons crapping on our heads. Everyone here is corrupt and in this new Netflix series, the violence, betrayal and murders come at a terrifying speed. The focus is on three so-called friends all who are young, somewhat attractive, nasty and corrupt as can be. They include Alessandro Borghi the only known actor to me who made a strong impression in “On My Skin” as the braying and volatile Aureliano who is at war not only with the other drug cartels but also with his father and sister who run the family business of nightclubs and drugs. Aureliano all tatted up with dyed blond hair and later on with a beard and a natural do is the leader of the group. There is also Lele, lanky and confused the son of a policeman who is molded and pushed into doing drastic turns of deceit and murder and finally Alberto “Spandino” the youngest son of a gypsy dynasty who is a closeted gay and dangerous. He dresses like a tacky teenager and moves like a dancer or at times a reptile with his Mohawk like haircut. Played by Giacomo Ferrara he is the most compelling, an heir to Richard Widmark in “Kiss Of Death his weapon of choice is a switchblade. There is nothing any one of them would not do to stay in power. The women are also ruthless and mostly without conscience. Standouts include Barbara Chichiarelli with her tight jeans and gnocchi face as Aureliano’s sinister sister and Paola Stogiu as the gypsy matriarch (if looks could kill).   On top of that there is also the dirty politicians, the church and the Mafia who are huffing and puffing trying to blow the other’s houses down. The focus of all the criminals’ plans is on Ostia and their desire to turn this ancient harbor of Rome into a modern day Las Vegas.  Played to perfection by a brilliant large cast and with glorious on location cinematography of Rome, which has never looked more beautiful and lived in, a local bus drives by the Coliseum with everyday panache, over decorated bourgeois apartments mingle with run down cafes and cobblestone streets and the beauty of Rome is everywhere.  This sprawling epic of blood and violence was directed by Stefano Sullima and a third season is coming soon. A movie version also exists, but see the series first.  Also notable is the throbbing score.