This French series is set in the year 1504, in a dark, drought-stricken France torn apart by power struggles. It spans eight episodes and was created by Jean‑Patrick Benes, Allan Mauduit, Martin Douaire, and Nicolas Digard. Filming took place in parts of southern France, Italy, and Spain.
Pio Marmaï plays Néro, an assassin with a bloody past. He is on the run with his estranged daughter, trying to protect her from deadly enemies and dark forces. The daughter, Perla, is played by Lili‑Rose Carlier Taboury. Their relationship – strained, complex, and uncertain – becomes the emotional core of the show.
The cast also includes Alice Isaaz as Hortense, Olivier Gourmet as Horace, Louis‑Do de Lencquesaing as Rochemort, and Camille Razat, whose character plays a mysterious role as the story unfolds. All characters are wrapped up in a web of religion, political tension, and personal loyalty that slowly unravels across the season.
What stood out to me the most was the atmosphere. The visuals are raw, the world feels broken, dirty, and real. It’s less of a historical epic and more like an oversized chamber piece. The darkness isn't just aesthetic – it hits emotionally, too. The tension between Néro and Perla feels genuine – no cheap reconciliation, just a slow, fragile reconnection between two strangers tied by blood.
The sound design also plays a big part. It’s subtle but effective. Some scenes feel more intense because of what’s not said or shown. The direction doesn’t over-explain; it lets scenes breathe – which fits the mood perfectly.
But it’s not all flawless. Some of the mystical elements are left vague, and not every clue gets a payoff. If you're looking for clear fantasy rules, this might frustrate you. The pacing is uneven – some episodes are tight and suspenseful, others feel a bit stretched. But honestly, that roughness fits the world it’s showing. It’s not polished. It’s not predictable.
Performance-wise, the series delivers. Marmaï strikes the right balance between hardness and fatigue. Taboury has presence. Isaaz, Gourmet, Lencquesaing – all solid. Razat stands out too, especially since her character remains enigmatic for much of the story.
For me, Néro the Assassin is a gritty, unconventional series – and that’s exactly what makes it compelling. It doesn’t try to please everyone. It tells its story the way it feels: heavy, moody, but never hopeless. I’m giving it four out of five stars. If you’re into dark, historical series with a unique tone, you’ll find something rare here.