Luna Nera

Luna Nera, an Italian original series from Netflix, released worldwide in early 2020, takes its viewers on a dark, mythical journey into a riveting tale of witchcraft, mystery, and star-crossed love. It’s a fusion of fantasy, drama, and history that narrates an intense tale of magic, suspicion, and overcoming prejudices in a bygone era. Set against the backdrop of a 17th century Italian society, a time known for the trials and execution of women suspected of being witches, Luna Nera captures a vivid view of this particular window of history. But the series takes a dramatic turn as it delves into the world of fiction, introducing the existence of real witches, living secretly amidst the society, striving to harness their powers while staying clear of persecution. The series' central protagonist is Ade, a young midwife, who becomes the fulcrum of the story. She’s caught in a personal conflict, torn between her newly discovered magical lineage and allegiance to her people, and her love for Pietro, the son of the town’s chief witch-hunter. This interlaced love story adds another layer to the narrative making it a dramatic, tense, and emotional ride. Luna Nera builds upon classic European folklore of witches, the moon, and ancient magic. The witches, here, are shown as nature's custodians, harnessing the power of nature and the moon to create their magic. They live in solitude in a hidden hamlet, the Lost City, far away from the eyes of the suspicious townsfolk. Nonetheless, their peace is precariously balanced on the edge of society's fear and ignorance. These are not your stereotypical witches; instead, they are women, compelled to honor a powerful legacy while trying to coexist with a society that abhors them. Beyond the realm of magic, Luna Nera also enlightens the audience on the sorry state of women who were wrongfully accused of being witches because they practiced medicine or were merely misfits. It delineates the alarming absurdities behind witch trials. These historical facets allow for a reflection of the oppressive struggle women presented as a threat to the orthodox male-dominated society had to face. The show’s cinematography deserves a special mention, showcasing dream-like landscapes, dense forests, and atmospheric images of the moon, making the viewing experience almost surreal. These images are paired with stunningly crafted costumes that further immerse viewers into the 17th century setting. Additionally, Luna Nera’s strong female narrative is also mirrored behind the camera. The all-female production team, unusually unique, especially in the fantasy genre, takes a bold step forward in addressing tales chunked in mystery, persecution, and womanhood. This approach affirms the show's authenticity in representing the voices and experiences of women, both as the characters of Luna Nera and bystanders of history alike. However, Luna Nera is not just a history lesson, nor is it only a fantasy tale of magic and witches. Besides its historical setting and incorporation of fantasy, it manages to address relatable emotions and situations. Amidst the magic, trials, and mysteries; it provides glimpses of familial relationships, platonic friendships, forbidden love, personal discovery, and above all, survival. It even goes beyond patriarchy, prejudices, rumors, and superstitions, addressing evergreen themes like acceptance, fear of the unknown, sacrifice, and resilience, which provide a fresh breath of air and a universal appeal to the story. While the show is filled with fantasy elements, the emphasis on character development conveys a deep human element, making the narrative more relatable. The unconventional plot twists and the intricately woven narrative keeps the viewers hooked until the end. It keeps the viewers anchored even when the denouements of conflicts are left ambiguous, only to be resolved in the forthcoming seasons. In conclusion, Luna Nera is a unique offering from Netflix that artfully combines history with fantasy. It provides an intriguing escape into a world that is fantastical, yet grounded in real human emotions. While it may seem to tread familiar ground with its tale of witches and magical lore, Luna Nera impressively stands out for its portrayal of strong, resilient women, engaging plotting, and the rich historical context. Contributions from an all-female crew further enhance this homage to powerful and misunderstood women in history, providing a refreshing take within the genre of historical fantasy television. As the tale of Luna Nera unravels, it promises a compelling journey filled with magic, mystery, and quaint charms of the bygone era.

Luna Nera is a series categorized as a . Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 6 episodes, the show debuted on 2020. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 5.9.