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Citadel: Dianais here. It’s hard to fathom how Prime Video’s massive, bloated disappointmentCitadelinspired enough confidence to warrant several spinoffs in the coming months. The original series dropped with much buzz and fanfare, mainly due to the “from the Russo Brothers” stamp of approval and the presence of two attractive megastars.
However, as much as you might want to get lost in the eye candy ofPriyanka Chopra JonasandRichard Madden(and join Stanley Tucci in the “bald brotherhood”), everything aboutCitadelwas overblown, overwrought, and overdone—yet undercooked, like that gorgeous holiday goose that never thaws.
Citadel: Diana, however, is different. Prime Video’s attempt to expand its reach into other markets—à la Netflix—benefits from scaling down the cast, giving characters more engaging arcs, and using special effects in small, effective doses. It also helps to have a breakout star like Matilda De Angelis.
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Prime Video’sCitadel: DianaSeason 1 Review and Synopsis
De Angelis (Robbing Mussolini) stars as Diana Cavalieri, an agent with a haircut that seems like an exercise in surrealism, working for the powerful Italian crime syndicate, Manticore. However, the group’s most dangerous agent is hiding a secret they are unaware of: Diana is a double agent behind Manticore lines.
Cavalieri was recruited by Citadel, a global spy organization that operates independently of government agencies, fighting illegal terrorist organizations worldwide. Diana is trained by Gabriele (Suburra: Blood on Rome’sFilippo Nigro), who teaches her spycraft, fighting techniques, and how to withstand torture.
Cavalieri accepted Gabriele’s offer because he discovered her dogged determination to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths. He tells Diana that the head of Manticore, Ettore Zani (Ripley’sMaurizio Lombardi), ordered the plane’s destruction to kill one of Gabriele’s agents.
“It needs time to grow”: Amazon Studios Head Shamelessly Defends Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ ‘Citadel’, Blames American Fans for Show’s Failure
Citadel: DianaHas A Star-Making Turn From Matilda De Angelis!
And that’s how Diana is pulled into the story, which is layered and addictive. Created by Alessandro Fabbri and Gina Gardini and directed by Arnaldo Catinari,Citadel: Dianais a quick shot of adrenaline that never sacrifices character or story for special effects.
It has those, but they are used sparingly and impressively. However, like mostspy thrillers, the first two episodes are engaging because the story drops the viewer into a cunning game of cat and mouse with the titular character. It is genuinely hard to decipher which side Diana is on and who she is playing. That leads to a tremendous amount of suspense in the storytelling.
There is also a romantic storyline with Lorenzo Cervasio’s Edo that surprisingly works. They have palpable chemistry, almost giving them aMr. & Mrs. Smithvibe. There is real passion there. Then, with a story this well-written, as the flashbacks unfold, they weave their subplot into the dangerous game Diana is playing, giving the viewer a sense of real stakes.
‘Won’t watch it but has no problems starring in it’: Fans Rip Citadel Star Lesley Manville To Shreds For Vowing Not To Watch Show as it Depicts ‘Violence Against Women’
Is Prime Video’sCitadel: DianaSeason 1 Worth Watching?
Citadel: Dianais worth watching due to Matilda De Angelis’s breakout performance, classic themes of complex characters dripping with moral ambiguity that create tension and suspense, and its abundance of twists, turns, and deception that draw the viewer in and hold the audience’s attention.
The action, at times, can be ruthless, with dozens of nameless agents on both sides dying and never to be heard from again. This includes a handful of dazzling and impressive action sequences invading enemy headquarters with remarkable verve.
DoesCitadel: Dianehave its flaws? Of course. However, this Italian spy spinoff proves a series can learn from its mistakes. This series is on a mission that you won’t want to miss.
“I get offended by it”: Russo Brothers’ Citadel Series Star Won’t Watch Show, Hasn’t Watched ‘Game of Thrones’ Either Due to ‘Violence Against Women’ Scenes
All six episodes of Citadel: Diana were screened for this review. you may stream the series exclusively on Prime Video on October 10.
Citadel: Diana Review — Matilda De Angelis Stars in a Revamped Spy Series Dripping with Stunning Twists, Turns, and Deception!
M.N. Miller
Film & Television Critic
Articles Published :336
M.N. Miller is a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s from Chamberlain University. However, he still puts on his pants one leg at a time, and that’s when he usually stumbles over. When not writing about film or television, he patiently waits for the next Pearl Jam album and chooses to pass the time by scratching his wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. M.N. Miller was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs but chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. You can also find his work on Hidden Remote, InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Geek Vibes Nation, and Nerd Alert.
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