Vladimir Series: Rachel Weisz Trapped in an Obsession on Campus, See Synopsis and Cast

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Netflix's limited comedy-drama series, Vladimir, has officially premiered, presenting a provocative tale of obsession, desire, and power dynamics in academia.

Adapted from the novel by Julia May Jonas, the series stars Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz as a middle-aged professor whose life is in turmoil.

Premiering on March 5, 2026, "Vladimir" promises to be thought-provoking and intriguing for Netflix viewers.

Netflix's "Vladimir" centers on an unnamed literature professor, played by Rachel Weisz, who faces a personal and professional crisis.

Her writing career has stalled, her student body has declined, and her marriage is shaken by sexual harassment allegations against her husband, John Slattery.

During this situation, the arrival of a young professor named Vladimir, played by Leo Woodall, sparks an uncontrollable obsession in the protagonist.

Netflix's "Vladimir" introduces viewers to the life of a middle-aged literature professor who finds her life stagnant and unfulfilling.

She is a writer whose career has stalled, and her once-legendary classes are now unpopular.

Her relationship with her husband, John, is also on the rocks after he was suspended due to allegations of inappropriate behavior with a former student.

Even her daughter, Sid, distances herself from her, adding to her loneliness.

Into this vulnerable situation, Vladimir, a charismatic young writer and professor, emerges, quickly captivating the protagonist.

This initial attraction quickly develops into an intense obsession, driving her to make unconventional and daring decisions.

Netflix's "Vladimir" boasts a stellar cast, with Rachel Weisz starring as an obsessed literature professor.

Her performance, praised by many critics as "pitch-perfect" and "captivating," successfully bringing depth to a complex and often unreliable character.

Weisz captivates the character's internal monologues with masterful evocation, making the audience feel connected to her thoughts and fantasies.

Leo Woodall, known for "One Day" and "The White Lotus," plays Vladimir, the object of the protagonist's obsession.

His youthful and attractive charisma is a key driver of Weisz's emotional turmoil.

John Slattery, a veteran actor from "Mad Men," completes the trio as John, the professor's husband, who faces scandalous allegations.

The supporting casts are Jessica Henwick as Cynthia, Vladimir's wife, and Ellen Robertson as Sid, the protagonist's daughter.

Kayli Carter, Miriam Silverman, Mallori Johnson, Matt Walsh, Tattiawna Jones, and Louise Lambert enrich the story with their pivotal roles, adding additional dimension to the narrative of Netflix's "Vladimir."

Reviews of Netflix's "Vladimir" have been mixed, but many have unanimously highlighted Rachel Weisz's outstanding performance.

Critics have praised her ability to portray a character filled with passion, insecurity, and vulnerability, making her a major draw for the series.

Weisz's engaging approach to her role keeps viewers engaged with every plot twist and element presented.

The series' narrative style has also been a point of discussion, particularly its use of the "fourth-wall breaking" technique, where the main character speaks directly to the camera.

This technique provides direct access to the professor's thoughts and fantasies, similar to the popular series "Fleabag," and is considered an innovative way to adapt the internal monologues from the original novel.

While described as a provocative and sexy dark comedy-drama, some reviews have also noted criticism.

Some felt that Netflix's "Vladimir" was sometimes too cliché and didn't fully capitalize on its themes, particularly in its exploration of a campus sexual scandal.

Additionally, some critics argued that the characters other than the protagonist lacked depth, as they were mostly seen from the perspective of the obsessed professor.