By Rohan Coleman
Topping the charts of Netflix the last week is limited series Vladimir, which stars Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall in the screen adaptation of the popular novel by the same name. The 8-episode series combines ironic and on-the-nose humour with abrupt and steamy fantasies, creating an incredibly gripping and bingeable show that is guaranteed to demand your attention.
Vladimir is the latest book adaptation to grace our screens in 2026, following the success of TV adaptations such as Bridgerton and Heated Rivalry. Based on Julia May Jones’ internet sensation published in 2022, this series follows an unnamed narrator, played expertly by Rachel Weisz, attempting to break out of her writer’s block as her entire life as she knows it crumbles around her. This leading lady is a once-celebrated English literature professor, whose fellow professor and husband John finds himself under investigation for engaging with his students sexually. Pair this huge public scandal with her fragile and erratic relationship with her daughter Sid, and her growing interest in the charming new teacher joining the English faculty, Weisz finds herself at her wits end.
Weisz is spectacular in this leading role, combining her genius comedy skills with her intense emotional expression to inject so much life into this character. Played by the up-and-coming heartthrob Leo Woodall, star of The White Lotus (2022), One Day (2024), and the latest instalment of the Bridget Jones franchise, a charismatic young scholar immediately worms his way into the naughty fantasies of our lead character. As this coworker relationship tiptoes the line between friendly and friendly-with-benefits, the investigation facing Weisz’s husband worsens, her relationship with her daughter reaches an all-time stalemate, and her teaching position at her university is at stake.
Aside from its wonderfully naughty romance and Fleabag reminiscent comedy, Vladimir explores a variety of interesting topics, continuously knotting and unravelling typical depictions and discussions of monogamy, power, and desire, and how they are connected. Through multiple not-so-secret affairs and untraditional relationships, this series navigates what it means to take control of your life, take what you need from others, and refuse to adhere to social ideals. Weisz’s character goes on an incredibly entertaining journey as she figures out what she wants, who she wants it from, and how she’s going to get it. As the series goes on, it becomes more and more clear just what her end goal is, adding to the twists and turns that make this show an unmissable ride.
Vladimir goes beyond the typical older woman, younger man trope, creating a fantastically engaging narrative that films like Babygirl (2024) and The Idea of You (2024) have failed to represent in the past. This series digs deeper into its characters, dissecting their each and every motivation for their actions, creating a cohort of individuals you hate to love, and love to hate. With its fourth-wall breaking comedy, energetic soundtrack, and guilty pleasure intimacy scenes, Vladimir is a must-watch streaming exclusively on Netflix now.