Benito Mussolini’s mantra, ”I am like the animals, I feel the weather coming before it arrives,” sets the ominous tone for the Italian television series ”M. Il Figlio del Secolo” (M. Son of the Century). Released a century after the enactment of the fascist laws that paved the way for Mussolini’s totalitarian regime, the series has ignited a firestorm of debate in Italy. Directed by British filmmaker Joe Wright, known for ”Pride and Prejudice” and ”The Darkest Hour,” the series adapts Antonio Scurati’s award-winning and controversial historical novel, which meticulously chronicles the rise of fascism through the lens of Mussolini and his inner circle. Scurati’s ambitious 830-page work blends fictional narrative with meticulously researched historical documentation, concluding each chapter with excerpts from primary sources to underscore the chilling reality of the events depicted. This powerful combination of storytelling and historical evidence forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth of Mussolini’s ascent.
The series’s unflinching portrayal of violence and manipulation, coupled with Mussolini’s direct addresses to the viewer, creates a deeply unsettling experience. Luca Marinelli, in a captivating performance as Mussolini, breaks the fourth wall, drawing the audience into the dictator’s insidious charm and rhetoric. His chilling invitation to join him on his journey, promising that by the end, viewers too will be fascists, evokes a visceral reaction distinct from the fictional machinations of characters like Frank Underwood in ”House of Cards.” This discomfort is amplified by the knowledge that these events are not merely fictionalized entertainment but a reflection of a dark chapter in human history. The series forces a confrontation with the unsettling ease with which charismatic leaders can manipulate and exploit societal vulnerabilities.
The personal connection to this historical period for many Italians, like the author whose grandfather was a reluctant fascist soldier, further complicates the viewing experience. The narrative challenges the romanticized and often sanitized versions of the past, where justifications for Mussolini’s actions, such as the construction of Via dei Fori Imperiali or the draining of the Pontine Marshes, are often invoked. These attempts to downplay the horrors of fascism, exemplified by former Prime Minister Berlusconi’s claim that Mussolini never killed anyone, are directly countered by the series’s graphic depiction of violence and the regime’s brutality. The series serves as a potent antidote to historical revisionism and forces a reckoning with the often-uncomfortable truths of Italy’s past.
”M. Son of the Century” meticulously unpacks the mechanics of Mussolini’s rise to power. The series highlights his exploitation of disillusioned and traumatized World War I veterans, offering them a sense of belonging and purpose within a society that had largely abandoned them. Mussolini’s manipulation of their desperation and his deliberate fostering of chaos and fear are presented as calculated strategies to seize power. He presents himself as the solution to the very problems he creates, a tactic disturbingly reminiscent of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, whose pardoning of individuals involved in the Capitol riot underscores the dangerous appeal of such leaders. The series serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how easily vulnerable populations can be manipulated by those who offer simplistic solutions to complex problems.
The series also confronts Italy’s ongoing struggle to fully reconcile with its fascist past. The lingering influence of the regime remains evident in various aspects of Italian society, from its legal system to its economy and its relationship with the Vatican. The series implicitly criticizes the collective amnesia that has allowed figures with ties to neo-fascist movements, like current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to rise to power. Meloni’s refusal to explicitly denounce fascism raises concerns about the normalization of such ideologies and the potential for history to repeat itself. The series serves as a stark reminder of the importance of confronting historical injustices and the dangers of ignoring the warning signs of rising authoritarianism.
The relevance of ”M. Son of the Century” extends beyond Italy’s borders, resonating with contemporary political developments worldwide. The series highlights the insidious nature of fascism, emphasizing that it rarely emerges suddenly but rather creeps in gradually, exploiting societal divisions and anxieties. The series draws parallels between Mussolini’s tactics and those of modern political figures, reminding viewers that the allure of authoritarianism is a persistent threat. The series serves as a powerful and timely warning about the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding against the rise of extremist ideologies. Through its unflinching portrayal of history, ”M. Son of the Century” compels audiences to confront the uncomfortable parallels between the past and the present and to consider the lessons that must be learned to prevent history from repeating itself.
