Netflix fans addicted to Italian prison drama that’s ‘as good as The Godfather’

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Netflix viewers have been bowled over by a recently added Italian prison drama that has earned comparisons to The Godfather.

They have shared their reluctance to leave their homes to binge-watch The Sea Beyond on the global streaming platform, which has been described as ‘addictive’ and ‘engaging.’

The show centres on two teenagers, Filippo (Nicolas Maupas) and Carmine (Massimiliano Caiazzo), who are serving time in prison in Naples but have wider ambitions that are being thwarted by crime boss Ciro (Giacomo Giorgio).

On IMDb, viewers have hailed The Sea Beyond as ‘phenomenal’ and urged others to add it to their watch list.

Among them is Holdenyou-03579, who said: ‘The plot is like The Godfather for kiddies, except these “juveniles” look anything but juvenile, perhaps young adults in their mid twenties at least. They are also the best-dressed juvenile delinquents. Ciro and Eduardo have a permanent frown, as all of the characters have their quirks. I have never seen so much crying and hugging as on this show between men, or supposedly boys.’

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Netflix viewers have been binge-watching Italian drama The Sea Beyond (Picture: Netflix) The series focuses on two teenagers who are serving time in prison in Naples (Picture: Netflix)

Echoing their sentiment, Rosaricci wrote: ‘This show is great and I honestly got addicted from the first few episodes. One thing I love about this show is that you can’t tell who the main character is because everyone is given equal time to shine, and everyone’s story is beautifully explained. The actors are almost all newbies, but the acting is awesome. The chemistry between couples (especially Gemma & Cardiotrap and Rosa & Carmine) is just perfect. Plus I love the soundtrack.’

TCS-31272 added: ‘I have to say the acting is phenomenal considering the actors are newbies. It’s a story about love, hate and revenge. Young teenagers making mistakes and learning from them, making friends and memories along the way. The chemistry between couples like Rosa & Carmine and Cardio & Gemma is just perfect. The first season was really sad. The second season was good and the third season was the best.’

According to Variety, The Sea Beyond has become a ‘major pop culture phenomenon’ in Italy since it was first broadcast on the country’s equivalent of the BBC, called RAI, in 2020. To date, four seasons have been produced, while another two have been commissioned.

A prequel film titled Io Sono Rosa Ricci (I am Rosa Ricci), based on Maria Esposito’s character Rosa, will also be added to Netflix. It will be released theatrically in Italy later this year.

The Sea Beyond has become a ‘pop culture phenomenon’ in Italy (Picture: Netflix) A prequel feature film is being released theatrically in Italy later this year (Picture: Netflix)

The Sea Beyond is not the only Italian drama that has been gripping Netflix viewers recently, as they have also been devouring The Law According to Lidia Poet.

The six-parter is based on a true story, and chronicles Italy’s first qualified female lawyer Lidia Poet (Matilda De Angelis), who is banned from practising because of her sex.

Set in the 19th century and battling misogyny, she investigates homicides.

X user Tom_MBS described the show as a ‘little gem’ while AmandaPCraig said she was ‘gripped’.

The Sea Beyond has earned comparisons to The Godfather (Picture: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Others described the show as ‘smart’ and ‘feisty’.

On Reddit, Mergraote recommended it to a fellow poster, saying: ‘The Law According to Lidia Poet is excellent’, while Kanjilal_s said they ‘loved the show’.

Reviews on its Rotten Tomatoes page include: ‘Fresh, realistic, and entertaining. Great performances.’

As well as being a hit with viewers, The Law According to Lidia Poet has also been a critical triumph, with the first season scoring a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while the second boasts 92%.

The Sea Beyond is available to stream on Netflix.

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