Vladimir (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 26 March 2026

Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall star in this new Netflix series, which is billed as a comedy drama but is really more of an erotic thriller.

A character known only as M works as a professor of English at a university. Her husband John, also employed by the university, is suspended in the run-up to a hearing about his historic affairs with students, which M is aware of as they have an open marriage. However, her professionalism begins to collapse as she finds herself smitten with handsome young new professor Vladimir, married to other new hire Cynthia.

From the start, M frequently breaks the fourth wall and talks to the camera, a narrative choice that surely no-one likes but at least offers an insight into her inner thoughts. It soon becomes apparent that she is rather a dislikable character due to her harsh and sexually promiscuous nature. However, as the series progresses, the series is seen to be primarily about desire and lust. Despite being teased to be a steamy age-gap affair, the events play out in her mind, revealed to be nothing more than a sexual fantasy. Throughout the episodes, her behaviour becomes more erratic and we fall deeper into the story.

The subplot surrounding John’s hearing is interesting too as it is staged in a clever way that asks if the accusers are victims or consenting adults with a share of the responsibility.

Upon the finale, M’s fiction sneaks into real life as she takes Vlad to her secluded cabin, drugs him and ties him up, though talks her way out of it. She reveals the supposed affair of John and Cynthia, leading to her and Vladimir having a passionate encounter. In the end, John proposes a committed relationship with her, while Vlad asks to see her on a weekly basis, and she finds herself torn between the two men. Both M’s and Vladimir’s writing is a reflection of their own experience with each other, something of a cliche. Despite the ending feeling rushed (in relation to the pacing of the rest of the series) and unfinished, the last two episodes will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, never knowing what is going to happen next.

This short-form miniseries may have viewers feeling unsure at first but develops into a thrilling and unique tale.

8/10