Summary
I doubt this is the best series to watch on Valentine’s Day with a loved one, but it’s undoubtedly a brilliant drama about a faltering marriage.
This review of Netflix series Devotion, a Story of Love and Desire season 1 does not contain spoilers.
In modern-day monogamous relationships, the question of marriage is tarred by the overwhelming divorce statistic that never looks kind for long-lasting love. In a world where meeting new people all the time is the norm (digitally and in real life), and careers are wide-ranging, with far-reaching locations now a possibility, many couples ponder how to sustain that future. Some believe the security of the nuclear family is less important in today’s world. It’s certainly a Ted Talk debate, for sure.
So, it’s no surprise that Netflix has released a Valentine’s Day series that devotes six episodes to a faltering marriage due to miscommunication and desires. Devotion, a Story of Love and Desire follows married couple Carlo and Margherita, who are fractured by a singular event; University lecturer Carlo was found in the bathroom with a student named Sofia. However, the accounts of what happened in that bathroom are unclear. This sparks differences in their marriage and veers them down an unexpected path.
It’s evident that the makers of this series wanted to draw audiences in with steaminess and passion. The story sells how Carlo and Margherita enjoy a powerful sex life. Sex is not the problem, but honesty and transparency are.
Devotion, a Story of Love and Desire does not gag viewers with an overindulgent sexual plot but instead gives six chapters that are easy to follow and consume. The characters sell themselves well, and the story keeps the mystery at bay. We never really know what Carlo and Margherita are going to do. Will they give in to their desires, or will they stay devoted?
The series is a window into the challenges modern-day relationships face and the hard work that comes. There’s recognition in the story that Carlo and Margherita have worked hard in their relationship, but that doesn’t mean challenges do not arrive. The writers want the audience to understand that aligning principles and values are equally important as overcoming other attractive people.
The series faces monogamous relationships truthfully, not to bring it down with shame, but to give an honest account of how the human mind can work when living a life with a partner. So while it is steamy, while it is sexy, and while it is dramatic, this isn’t a popcorn plot like Sex/Life.
I doubt this is the best series to watch on Valentine’s Day with a loved one, but it’s undoubtedly a brilliant drama about a faltering marriage.
What did you think of Netflix series Devotion, a Story of Love and Desire season 1? Comment below.
You can watch this series with a subscription to Netflix.
