Gomorrah

The Savastano organisation controls a part of Naples through money, intimidation and personal obligation. Ciro Di Marzio knows how that world works. Genny, the boss's son, has a different relationship to its privileges and expectations. Their connection gives Gomorrah its centre as the criminal business around them changes.

Marco D'Amore and Salvatore Esposito are exceptional as Ciro and Genny. Fortunato Cerlino establishes Pietro Savastano's authority, while Cristiana Dell'Anna brings Patrizia a watchful presence of her own.

This is one of the best series I have seen, and one I recommend well beyond people who already seek out Italian crime drama. I strongly favour subtitles: the voices and local speech belong to the experience. It is bleak, but the quality of the writing and performances makes that bleakness compelling rather than merely punishing.

There are five seasons, with the companion film The Immortal best left until you are well into the series. Read my full Gomorrah review.