‘Exquisite’ Netflix period drama better than Bridgerton is ‘captivating masterpiece’
The period drama is giving tough competition to fan-favourites like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, with viewers declaring the show is a ‘sublime and exceptional masterpiece’.
Audiences can’t stop raving about the ‘sublime’ period drama(Image: NETFLIX)
A little-known period drama on Netflix is being hailed as a ‘sublime and exquisite masterpiece’ which has left audiences utterly captivated.
The historical drama is giving tough competition to period drama fan-favourites like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, with viewers praising the stunning costumes, excellent performances, and attention to detail displayed in the adaptation.
The Leopard, known originally as Il gattopardo, is a television drama based on author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s 1958 novel of the same name.
The Netflix hidden gem has been directed by Tom Shankland, Giuseppe Capotondi, and Laura Luchetti, and is the second official adaptation of the beloved novel after Luchino Visconti’s 1963 film.
The six-part Italian-language limited series first premiered on Netflix in March 2025 and immediately began gathering a devoted fanbase. Each episode of the period drama has a runtime of roughly an hour, and viewers can’t seem to get enough of the show.
Netflix’s ‘sublime’ Italian period drama has viewers in a chokehold(Image: NETFLIX)
The Leopard stars Kim Rossi Stuart and Benedetta Porcaroli in the lead, and the actors are joined by Saul Nanni, Deva Cassel, Francesco Colella, Astrid Meloni, Paolo Calabresi and Gaetano Bruno to round out a stellar cast.
The series’ official plot states: “Amid the unification of 1860s Italy, a Sicilian prince grapples with the collision between his family’s ancient privilege and revolutionary change.”
The series was allocated a staggering budget of €40 million and is hailed as one of the most lavish period dramas out there. With filming commencing in April 2023, the series was shot on location in Sicily, including areas in Syracuse, Palermo, and Catania. Turin also served as a filming location.
Shot over 105 days, The Leopard used 5,000 extras, 100 animals, 12 animal trainers, and 130 carriages, boats, and carts to depict the era authentically.
The ‘exquisite’ period drama is based on Italian author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel(Image: NETFLIX)
Viewers are extremely taken with the period drama, with one critic writing: “The series can feel like an exquisite Italian cake, created to perfection, a thing of beauty to behold and indeed devour.”
Another said of the show: “As testaments to the flux of history go, The Leopard manages to be beautiful, engaging and suitably elegiac.”
While one reviewer added: “Netflix’s The Leopard is a thrilling and dramatic watch with juicy twists and turns.”
Audiences have been left equally captivated, with one IMDB user review saying: “A Stunning and Captivating Masterpiece. Netflix’s Il Gattopardo is a resounding masterpiece, realising the beauty and sophistication of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s great novel in breathtaking elegance.
“This is a gem of a show-a great surprise and absolutely wonderful. If you enjoy historical dramas or simply appreciate top-notch television, you will absolutely love “Il Gattopardo”. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!”
Audiences have labelled the show an ‘exquisite and captivating masterpiece’(Image: NETFLIX)
Another audience review reads: “Everything about The Leopard is exceptional — we were hooked at the first episode, and it only got better. Not since The Godfather has there been such a great combination of drama and passion in an authentic Italian setting. A phenomenal cast and breathtaking costumes add to the fun of watching this show.”
While one fan of the series writes: “Piece of Art! I just read the book recently and the movie is just as beautiful. Cinematography is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful period piece; costumes magical. This is a stunningly visually crafted masterpiece of a series. But you have to watch it in Italian. Thank you, Netflix. The acting is incredible and spiritually enhancing with a handsomely beautiful cast.”
Yet another glowing review of the show says: “Masterpiece! This is an absolute must-see series! As far as I am concerned, this is the best Netflix series I have watched so far. Do not miss it!”
While one contended viewer said: “I struggle to find words to express how perfect this production is. Sublime. Exquisite. Haunting. Thank you all so much for such a beautiful, beautiful program.”
The Leopard is available to stream on Netflix.
