“Supersex,” a new Netflix series inspired by the real life of Italian porn star Rocco Siffredi, has two important jobs. Since it’s about a sexy topic, it needs to feel believable, but it’s also supposed to tell a story. We expect to care about the characters and understand their challenges.
Francesca Manieri made all seven episodes of “Supersex,” but it feels like it just met the basic requirements. The story mostly focuses on Rocco and the people around him, especially his half-brother Tommaso. Their relationship troubles Rocco throughout the whole series.
Tommaso pushes Rocco into the world of sex, but later tries to keep him away—not to protect him, but probably because he’s jealous of what Rocco is becoming.
In a small town called Bellariva, Tommaso came back after a long time away. He found Lucia, an old flame, still captivating despite the years. But their renewed love wasn’t simple. Tommaso didn’t just want to love Lucia; he wanted to control her too.
In the same house, Rocco, a young man with big dreams, got caught up in their drama. As he got to know them better, he realized their relationship was more complicated than it seemed.
Meanwhile, Rocco had a history with Sylvie, his first love. They still felt something for each other, especially Sylvie, who was curious about Rocco’s wild side and the Paris nightlife he knew.
Their meetings were full of excitement, hinting at something deeper. But as the story unfolded, it seemed like Sylvie’s part was minor, even though her journey from a dreamer to a woman with desires deserved more attention.
In a world where people’s wishes clashed and dreams seemed out of reach, Tommaso, Lucia, Rocco, and Sylvie found themselves tangled in a complicated web of longing and relationships. And as the series went on, it was clear that some connections, no matter how strong, couldn’t escape the what-ifs of their pasts.
“Supersex” takes viewers on a journey back to 2004, where Rocco, the self-proclaimed (sex) superhero, announces his retirement. As he reflects on his pre-adolescent years, the show unveils the origin story of this real-life icon, revealing how he perceives himself as a figure of sexual prowess.
However, the true essence of the series lies in exploring what hindered Rocco’s growth in the industry: his own psychological battles stemming from childhood traumas. These lingering demons shadow him relentlessly, adding layers of depth to his character.
Among the gripping moments of the show are the intense scenes between Rocco and Tommaso, which keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While this subplot isn’t entirely groundbreaking, the series effectively delves into it, highlighting the intricate dynamics between the two characters. Yet, despite Manieri’s efforts to infuse freshness into the storyline, the portrayal of the 80s porn industry feels somewhat lacking in depth.
Despite this, “Supersex” manages to carve out its own niche, weaving a narrative that explores the complexities of identity, trauma, and self-perception in a unique and captivating way.
Rocco’s relationship with his mother is a deep well of emotional scars. His family suffered a devastating loss when his younger brother, who happened to be their mother’s favorite, passed away at a young age. This tragedy became a turning point for the family, especially for his mother, who bore the brunt of the trauma.
Even before this loss, there were significant divisions within the family. Tommaso, Rocco’s friend, comes from a different mother, a fact that the townsfolk never let him forget. In their eyes, he was always lacking. Rocco’s mother, on the other hand, is an unpredictable figure, adding layers of tension and drama to their interactions.
Tommaso, too, grapples with a sense of not belonging. Despite Rocco’s constant support, Tommaso’s feelings of inadequacy sometimes manifest as anger towards him, putting their friendship to the test. The intricate dynamics within Rocco’s family and his bond with Tommaso create a rich tapestry of emotions, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of past traumas.
The series presents an intriguing premise but falls short of fully embracing its potential. It tiptoes around bold ideas and fails to fully explore its narratives, leaving many storylines unfinished and missing opportunities for daring storytelling, such as employing tongue-in-cheek humor with abrupt cuts in the middle of sex scenes.
Furthermore, the characters often feel like caricatures of typical porn industry personas. From Rocco, whose childhood trauma fuels his rebellious nature, to Moana, the stereotypical 80s porn star who hides her true feelings behind a facade of glamour, the characters lack depth and complexity.
Even the setting, like an Italian restaurant in Paris run by a shady Corsican businessman, feels like a missed opportunity to delve into intriguing dynamics and cultural clashes.
Overall, while the series presents an interesting concept, its reluctance to fully commit to its ideas and its reliance on cliched characters hinder its potential to truly stand out.
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