A new perspective on Mussolini: ‘M – Son of the Century’ series teaser unveiled

A fresh take on historical drama

Sky and Fremantle have unveiled the first teaser-trailer for the highly anticipated series M – Son of the Century, which chronicles Benito Mussolini’s rise to power. This eight-episode series is set to premiere at the upcoming Venice Film Festival, promising a unique blend of historical narrative and modern aesthetics.

The visionary behind the lens

Directed by Joe Wright, known for his work on Darkest Hour and Atonement, the series is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Mussolini’s story. Wright’s previous films have demonstrated his ability to capture complex characters and historical moments with depth and nuance. His involvement in this project suggests a similarly compelling portrayal of Mussolini’s controversial ascent.

A soundtrack that sets the tone

The series features a pulsating soundtrack composed by Tom Rowlands, one half of the pioneering British electronic music duo, The Chemical Brothers. This techno score is expected to add a dynamic and contemporary layer to the historical narrative, creating a unique auditory experience for viewers.

Aesthetic innovation

Wright has described the series’ aesthetic as a mashup between ’90s rave culture and the avant-garde style of Man with a Movie Camera, a seminal 1929 Ukrainian documentary by Dziga Vertov. This innovative approach aims to blend historical storytelling with modern visual and auditory elements, offering a fresh take on the period drama genre.

A deep dive into Mussolini’s life

Luca Marinelli, known for his roles in The Eight Mountains and Martin Eden, stars as Mussolini. The series covers the period from 1919, when Mussolini founded the fascist party in Italy, to 1925, when he declared himself dictator following the murder of socialist MP Giacomo Matteotti. The narrative promises to delve into Mussolini’s personal relationships, including those with his wife Rachele and his lover Margherita Sarfatti, providing a comprehensive look at the man behind the political figure.

Based on an acclaimed novel

The series is adapted from Antonio Scurati’s award-winning novel, which offers an innovative approach to tracing the birth of fascism in Italy and Mussolini’s rise to power. The script, penned by Stefano Bises and Davide Serino, aims to capture the novel’s depth and complexity, bringing its rich narrative to the screen.

An international perspective

Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera has noted that having a British director tackle this material offers a more objective view of the events. This international perspective is expected to provide a balanced and nuanced portrayal of Mussolini’s rise to power, making the series accessible to a global audience.

Premiere and production details

All eight episodes of M – Son of the Century will premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The series is produced by Sky Studios and Lorenzo Mieli for Fremantle-owned The Apartment Pictures, in coproduction with Pathé and in association with Small Forward. It is set to launch in 2025 on Sky in its European territories, including the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with Fremantle handling international sales.

Final thoughts

The teaser for M – Son of the Century promises a series that is both visually and narratively innovative. With a talented cast and crew, a unique aesthetic approach, and a compelling historical narrative, this series is poised to offer a fresh and engaging look at one of history’s most controversial figures. For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this is a must-watch that promises to blend historical depth with modern storytelling techniques.