'Supersex' Review: Netflix series based on Rocco Siffredi delivers bold narratives and intimate realism
Contains spoilers for ‘Supersex’
ORTONA, ITALY: Netflix's 'Supersex' avoids the typical biopic treatment, opting for a nuanced exploration of family, masculinity, and the complexities of desire.
The show, starring Alessandro Borghi, explores graphic intimacy while placing a greater emphasis on emotional depth rather than indulging in gratuitous sex.
The seven-part series, created by Francesca Manieri, opens with a successful adult film star named Rocco Siffredi announcing his retirement from the adult film industry.
We then rewind to Rocco's childhood in the poverty-stricken town of Ortona, Italy. At the age of ten, Rocco grapples with feelings of being overshadowed by his charismatic older half-brother, Tomasso (Adriano Giannini), and weighed down by the dysfunction within his family.
Tomasso embodies a hypermasculinity Rocco craves, further complicated by his love for the same woman, Lucia (Jasmine Trinca). 'Supersex' doesn't shy away from Rocco's early fascination with sex.
It explores his childhood crush on Lucia and his later discovery of pornography, depicting sex as a source of both pleasure and escape. However, the series emphasizes the toll Rocco's career takes on his relationships and mental well-being.
'Rocco's childhood significantly impacted his career choice
The show depicts Rocco's upbringing in a small, impoverished town as stifling and unfulfilling. Although Rocco initially admired his charismatic half-brother Tommaso, over time, he began to feel overshadowed by Tommaso's embodiment of a hypermasculinity that Rocco found himself craving.
Rocco's family dysfunction, including his mentally disabled brother and a mother consumed by his care, offered little in the way of guidance or support. Escaping this environment and achieving the attention and status Tommaso possessed likely became a strong motivator for Rocco.
Sex becomes a source of euphoria and a way to assert himself, leading him to gravitate towards pornography and eventually the adult film industry. The series suggests that Rocco's career wasn't entirely driven by sexual desire, but also by a yearning for the freedom and control he never had as a child.
However, the show also delves into the adverse consequences of his chosen path, shedding light on how it detrimentally impacted Rocco's mental health and strained his relationships.
The history behind Rocco Siffredi and Moana Pozzi
Rocco Siffredi's series on Netflix, 'Supersex,' delves into the intricate facets of his life, prominently featuring Moana Pozzi. Pozzi, renowned for her roles in over 100 adult films, lived a life steeped in controversy. This continues even after her death at the age of 33 from liver cancer in Lyon, France.
In the show, numerous scenes depict the chemistry between Rocco and Moana, capturing their intimate moments and various shared experiences in life.
Gaia Messerklinger's portrayal of Pozzi in the series sheds light on the complex intertwining of their lives, offering a nuanced perspective on the enigmatic and tumultuous world of adult entertainment.
Rocco and Lucia's chemistry is a mirror of his relationship with other women's
In the intricate narrative of 'Supersex,' the bond between Rocco, portrayed by Alessandro Borghi, and Jasmine Trinca's character, Lucia, transcends the physical realm, delving into the complexities of emotional connection.
Lucia, a fictional amalgamation of the women who shaped Rocco's life, becomes a poignant symbol of enduring companionship. Similar to other female characters, Lucia becomes sexualized and subsequently faces judgment for her sexuality. While she eventually discovers a new path, it comes at a significant cost.
Their relationship unfolds as a nuanced synthesis of understanding, support, and shared vulnerabilities. Despite the absence of physical intimacy, Rocco and Lucia's bond is a must-watch.
Siffredi's addiction impacts his life choices
In 2004, Rocco Siffredi grappled with a profound struggle involving sex addiction, which had a significant impact on his personal life and marriage to Rozsa Tassi Caracciolo.
Despite Caracciolo's retirement from the adult film industry to prioritize their relationship, she refrained from coercing Siffredi away from his career. Remarkably, in 2009, she not only supported but encouraged his return to the camera, emphasizing a resilient commitment to their union.
Despite adversities, including Siffredi's battle with addiction and the pressures of their careers, the couple has displayed unwavering dedication, highlighting a resilient bond that transcends the challenges posed by their shared history in the adult film industry.
'Supersex' transcends the biopic boundaries
'Supersex' distinguishes itself through its bold narrative choices, particularly in its handling of intimate scenes. Rather than resorting to gratuitous depictions, the series employs sex scenes to artfully convey Rocco Siffredi's emotional journey, providing a nuanced perspective on his internal struggles.
The 'penultimate' episode, centered on Siffredi's return to Ortona and a prestigious award win, stands out as a powerful portrayal of his battle with shame and societal expectations.
What sets 'Supersex' apart from conventional biopics is its ability to transcend the genre's limitations. It goes beyond a mere chronicle of events, becoming a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery. Against the backdrop of a family characterized by dysfunction and unspoken desires, the series delves into the complexities of Siffredi's life.
The storytelling is weaving a tapestry of emotions, societal pressures, and personal revelations. In essence, 'Supersex' is a must-watch not only for its daring approach to storytelling but also for its ability to elevate the biopic genre.
It offers viewers a profound glimpse into the human experience, showcasing the triumphs and tribulations of a man grappling with identity amidst a backdrop of unconventional family dynamics.