The first two episodes of the series (out of a total of eight) premiered on Friday, January 10, on Sky Atlantic, following an extensive international marketing campaign. The series had already gained significant attention when it was presented at the 81th Venice Film Festival last September.
Directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Joe Wright (Atonement, Darkest Hour), the show is based on Scurati's first book in the M trilogy. It is produced by The Apartment (a production company led by Lorenzo Mieli) in collaboration with Pathé, Small Forward Productions, Fremantle, and CINECITTÀ S.p.A. Fremantle is also handling its international distribution.
The series was written by Stefano Bises (Gomorra, The New Pope) and Davide Serino (1992, Esterno Notte), with input from Scurati himself. Their adaptation is historically precise and richly documented, delving into the events that led Benito Mussolini to establish a dictatorship in Italy.
The first episodes chronicle the origins of Fascism, portraying Mussolini as a deeply flawed, animalistic figure—fragile and brutal in equal measure. His lover, Margherita Sarfatti, calls him "my savage," a depiction that sets the tone for a dark and relentless narrative.
The show’s pacing is intense and almost chaotic, enhanced by the cinematography’s dark tones and the innovative, sometimes jarring directorial choices of Joe Wright. This approach creates a visceral viewing experience, akin to the challenging yet rewarding process of reading the 827 pages of Scurati’s original novel.
From the outset, the series unflinchingly depicts the violence perpetrated by Mussolini’s squads—mercilessly targeting socialist and communist party offices, sowing fear, and crushing Italy's nascent revolutionary movements. The series also exposes Mussolini's disregard for laws, people, and even the women in his life, including his wife, lovers, and secretary, showcasing the stark brutality of his character.
A Lesson in History
The narrative underscores how Mussolini, at his lowest point—defeated in elections and seemingly politically irrelevant—was rescued by Italy’s powerful landowners and industrialists, who funded his movement to suppress socialist strikes and restore order. This critical turning point transforms Mussolini’s weakness into an unstoppable force, all under the passive watch of the King.
Luca Marinelli’s masterful portrayal of Mussolini, guided by Joe Wright, combined with the dark, immersive storytelling by Bises and Serino, results in a groundbreaking series that forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of Fascism.
Finally, the cast. A phenomenal ensemble of actors whose masterful performances make M – Il Figlio del Secolo an unmissable series, starting with Luca Marinelli, extraordinary in the role of Benito Mussolini, amazing Barbara Chichiarelli as Margherita Sarfatti, Benedetta Cimatti as Donna Rachele, Francesco Russo as Cesare Rossi, Federico Majorana as Amerigo Dumini, Lorenzo Zurzolo as Italo Balbo,Gaetano Bruno as Giacomo Matteotti, Paolo Pierobon as Gabriele D’Annunzio.
A Timely Reflection
The series opens with the chilling statement: “Look around, we are still among you.” This message reverberates throughout the episodes, connecting the past to present-day reflections on the origins and implications of authoritarianism.
M – Il Figlio del Secolo is not just a historical drama but a mirror held up to modern society. It challenges us to reexamine the roots of Fascism and confront its enduring legacy. For those willing to delve into its intense and unrelenting narrative, the series is a dark masterpiece that demands to be watched.
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