Mrs. Playmen has arrived on Netflix, bringing to life a transformative chapter in Italy’s social and cultural history. This seven-episode limited series draws inspiration from the life of Adelina Tattilo, an Italian publisher and journalist who redefined erotic media and women’s freedoms in the 1970s. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and societal repression, Mrs. Playmen tells the story of how one woman navigated betrayal, scandal, and an evolving nation to empower herself and others. But what exactly can you expect from this provocative series? Here’s everything you need to know.
Introduction to the Show
Mrs. Playmen is a compelling historical drama that immerses viewers in the life of Adelina Tattilo, a pioneering Italian journalist and publisher whose story is intricately tied to the evolution of sexuality, media, and women’s rights in Italy. Set in the 1970s, the series unfolds with the recognition of Adelina’s contributions in 1975 when the United Nations honored her as one of the world’s most influential women. However, the series takes a deeper dive into the years preceding this moment, primarily focusing on the transformative decade of the 1970s. It sheds light on the intersections of personal ambition, societal change, and the burgeoning feminist movement, as Adelina takes over Playmen, the controversial erotic magazine, and leads it into a new era.
Setting the Scene: Italy in 1970
Italy in 1970 was a country on the brink of change. Divorce was still illegal, and the country was deeply influenced by Catholic doctrine, which dictated much of the social fabric. However, the political climate was shifting. The Socialist and Communist movements, galvanized by the protests of 1968, were pushing for reforms. These included expanding secular freedoms, workers’ rights, and challenging the Church’s influence on everyday life.
At the same time, a quiet revolution was occurring behind closed doors. The rise of erotic magazines like Playmen signaled a shift in public attitudes toward sexuality. Yet, this was a time of great social tension—censorship was rampant, and many laws, including the matrimonio riparatore (which allowed a rapist to marry his victim to restore the family’s dignity), were still in place. As Mrs. Playmen shows, it was in this environment that Adelina Tattilo began her journey, fighting both personal and societal battles to assert her independence and change the narrative around women’s sexuality.
What to Expect From Mrs. Playmen?
Episodes 1-2: From Scandal to Survival
In the opening episodes, Mrs. Playmen introduces viewers to Adelina Tattilo Balsamo, played by Carolina Crescentini. Her marriage to Saro Balsamo, the original owner of Playmen, is crumbling when scandal strikes. Saro, facing obscenity charges, vanishes, leaving Adelina with the financial mess and the responsibility of running the magazine. Despite the public shame and mounting pressure, Adelina decides to take control of Playmen.
“These first episodes are all about Adelina’s transformation,” said Carolina Crescentini, who portrays the lead character. “She goes from a victim of scandal to a force for change. It’s an empowering journey, and it’s amazing to see how she takes charge of her own destiny.”
These first episodes also introduce Elsa, a young woman whose life is destroyed after posing nude for a photographer under the false promise that the images would remain private. The photos are published without her consent, and her life unravels as her reputation is tarnished. She soon becomes the target of even darker exploitation, highlighting the rigid, victim-blaming laws that governed women’s lives in Italy at the time.
As Adelina rebuilds her life and career, she begins to transform Playmen into a platform for female empowerment, turning it from a symbol of male pleasure to a powerful voice for women’s rights and sexual freedom. This shift is symbolised by the controversial issue, The Erotic Bride, which challenges traditional views on virginity and female sexuality.
Who’s in the Cast?
The cast of Mrs Playmen brings these historical figures to life, with strong performances from Carolina Crescentini as Adelina Tattilo, Filippo Nigro as Luigi Poggi, and Francesca Colucci as Elsa. Other notable actors include Giuseppe Maggio, Francesco Colella, and Domenico Diele, who add layers to the unfolding drama.
| Actor | Role | Other Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Crescentini | Adelina Tattilo Balsamo | Perfect Strangers, Mare Fuori |
| Filippo Nigro | Luigi Poggi | Suburra: Blood on Rome, Medici |
| Francesca Colucci | Elsa | Summertime, Luna Park |
| Francesco Colella | Chartroux | ZeroZeroZero, The Good Mothers |
The Power and Context of Mrs. Playmen
Each episode of Mrs. Playmen delves into a different issue of the magazine, mirroring the broader social battles taking place in Italy at the time. These include topics like divorce, censorship, and women’s autonomy—issues that are still highly relevant today. The show is not just about the history of a magazine but also about the larger cultural and societal shifts that were happening in Italy.
Set in the heart of Rome, the series uses the city itself as a character, with iconic locations like the Piper Club (a 1970s nightlife hotspot) providing a visual backdrop to the unfolding drama. The soundtrack, blending Italian pop hits from Patty Pravo and Nada with English classics like “Venus” by Shocking Blue, sets the tone for a period piece that feels both nostalgic and modern. Through its settings and music, Mrs. Playmen ties its characters’ personal stories to Italy’s broader historical context.
“This is a story about freedom and expression, but also about rebellion in the face of societal norms,” said Filippo Nigro, who plays photographer Luigi Poggi. “Adelina’s journey is a universal one, and her struggles reflect the broader shift in Italy during the 1970s. It’s about challenging tradition and embracing change.”
Their performances ground the series in both historical realism and emotional intensity, helping to elevate the show beyond a mere recounting of events.
Why Watch Mrs. Playmen?
If you enjoyed shows like Minx, The New Look, or The L Word: Generation Q, then Mrs. Playmen will likely resonate with you. The series blends historical drama with contemporary themes of gender, sexuality, and freedom. Mrs. Playmen offers a nuanced view of women’s struggles during a time of social change, highlighting the personal and political challenges of navigating a world defined by repression and rigid gender norms.
Moreover, the show’s exploration of the evolving role of media—specifically erotic media—adds a layer of complexity, showing how powerful storytelling and representation can be in shaping cultural attitudes toward sexuality and gender.
Themes and Social Impact
At its heart, Mrs. Playmen is about personal freedom and societal transformation. The series reflects the tension between tradition and progress in Italy during the 1970s, offering viewers a glimpse into the struggles of women who fought for their rights against the backdrop of a patriarchal, religiously dominated society. Through Adelina’s evolution from scandal to empowerment, the show explores how societal expectations can shape, suppress, or even push people toward rebellion and change.
Carolina Crescentini, who plays Adelina, noted,
“Adelina’s character is a woman who transforms her personal betrayal into a force for societal change. She uses Playmen not only to express her personal freedom but to spark a broader conversation about women’s sexuality, independence, and power.”
Conclusion
Mrs. Playmen is a thought-provoking series that mixes history, social commentary, and personal drama in a way that feels both modern and timely. Through Adelina Tattilo’s journey, the show addresses issues of censorship, sexual freedom, and the changing role of women in a society that was both progressive and deeply conservative. With strong performances, beautiful settings, and a soundtrack that captures the era’s vibrancy, Mrs. Playmen offers a compelling portrait of a woman who not only shaped a magazine but also helped redefine Italy’s conversation about sex, shame, and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adelina Tattilo is a pioneering Italian journalist and publisher who helped redefine sexual freedom and women’s rights in Italy during the 1970s. She takes control of Playmen, an erotic magazine, and transforms it into a platform for women’s empowerment.
The series is set in 1970s Italy, a time of political turmoil and societal repression. It explores the intersection of personal and political freedom, focusing on Italy’s evolving attitudes toward sexuality, censorship, and gender roles.
Yes, Mrs Playmen is inspired by the life of Adelina Tattilo, a real figure who played a significant role in transforming Italy’s conversation about sexuality and freedom.
The series explores themes such as censorship, women’s sexual freedom, societal expectations, personal empowerment, and the evolving role of media in shaping cultural attitudes toward sexuality and gender.
Mrs Playmen deals with adult themes, including sexual freedom and societal repression. It is rated for mature audiences due to its exploration of complex and provocative subjects.
