Netflix's latest original series, The Decameron, has finally dropped on the streaming platform with viewers making the same criticisms. Set against the backdrop of Giovanni Boccaccio's classic tales, the show transports us to 1348 as a group of nobles flee the bubonic plague decimating Florence and seek refuge in Visconte Leonardo's idyllic Italian retreat.
As the series unfolds, the characters are seen grappling with the perils of the plague, bandit attacks and each other's plotting.
With the series launching on Netflix on Thursday, July 25, a common thread emerged among audience reactions the peculiar choice of accents throughout the series.
Despite the Italian setting, the characters' dialogue is delivered in a medley of authentic accents, from Saoirse-Monica Jackson's Northern Irish tones to Tony Hale's American drawl and Amar Chadha-Patel's British accent.
A Reddit user expressed disappointment, posting: "I thought this might be up my street (I've enjoyed shows like The Borgias and Da Vinci's Demons in the past) but, aside from some nice costumes and scenery, I found it pretty terrible."
They continued, lamenting the "Unfunny dialogue, unlikeable characters and a jarring range of accents. It's a no from me."
Another viewer shared their struggles watching the series: "Trying to watch The Decameron.. they're accents are all over the place. I'm only liking Zosia and Saoirse-Monica scenes currently."
Another user added: "I'm watching the Decameron and I love when a show can't be bothered to have cohesive accents."
The new Netflix series hasn't won everyone over, with one scathing tweet stating: "Best avoided. It isn't funny, and the language and accents are all over the place.
"Besides, it is doesn't have the main point of the Decameron, the wonderful stories."
Series creator Kathleen Jordan defended the choice for actors to use their own accents, saying it felt more authentic than having everyone adopt an Italian accent, which would be the "only logical accent" for the show.
Netflix's spokesperson explained: "To have the actors speak in their voices telegraphs race blind casting early on for viewers and urges them to look past the surface early on in the series."
The show features a dazzling cast including Tanya Reynolds, known for her role in Sex Education, as Licisca; Tony Hale of Arrested Development fame playing Sirisco; and Saoirse-Monica Jackson from Derry Girls portraying Misia.
Adding to the impressive roster are Jessica Plummer, previously seen in EastEnders; Zosia Mamet of Girls; and a host of other talents such as Leila Farzad, Amar Chadha-Patel, Lou Gala, Karan Gill, and Douggie McMeekin.
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