Nero the Assassin: Is Good Period Drama?

Nero the Assassin (S1/France/2025) Series is a fictional period drama set in 16th-century France. So, this French swashbuckling action-adventure series focuses on the protagonist, Nero (Pio Marmaï), who is trying his best to save his daughter, Perla (Lili-Rose Carlier Taboury), from the evil, selfish, vicious religious fanatics.

This French series with 8 episodes tries to answer the big question: why are the antagonists of all kinds hell bent on killing a girl child? And whether the hero, Nero, will be able to protect the life of his young daughter, Perla, from her enemies? Or will the villains be able to take away the precious life of his daughter?

Is Nero Pursuing Vengeance &/Or Seeking Redemption?

Spoiler-Free Series Review: Nero the Assassin (Season 1/2025)

The synopsis

France, 1504. Nero (Pio Marmaï), a ruthless and cynical assassin, is unexpectedly reunited with his daughter Perla (Lili-Rose Carlier Taboury), abandoned at birth. Hunted by dark forces, father and daughter are thrust into an epic journey alongside a ragtag, dysfunctional band of companions. On the road, caught between vengeance and redemption, Nero faces his ultimate choice: save himself… or save his daughter — and the fate of the world. So, what is Nero going to decide and do, finally? 

How is the story of the series?

The story of this fictional historical tale is set in the 16th century, in Southern France. So, there are the rich ruling nobility class, the powerful church officials, the armed soldiers, the potent witches, the strong sorcerer, the violent penitent religious cult members, the poor commoners (slum dwellers), and many more.

And this story is clearly a tale of two halves.

The first half of the (1 to 4 episodes) series takes its own sweet time to clearly set up the story. One needs a lot of patience to get through the initial part. Initially, we are introduced to Nero, the protagonist. He is an anti-hero and a selfish person who works as an assassin for an ambitious aristocrat, Rochemort (Louis-Do de Lencquesaing). And then one day, Nero learns that a very powerful set of people (Noblemen, Religious Church Leaders, Assassins, Witches, etc.) want to murder his daughter, Perla (Lili-Rose Carlier Taboury), in cold blood. So, both Nero and Perla escape and run away.

Thankfully, in the second half of the (5 to 8 episodes) show, the story really picks up and gains momentum. We were completely engaged as the show began to introduce many twists and turns. Besides, the layered storyline starts to reveal the truth. As to why bad people want to kill Perla? And, what will Nero choose?

The story is good, but only in parts. The love-hate relationship between a father and daughter is not explored properly. Even Nero’s love story seemed to be a forced afterthought. There are quite a few unexplained loose ends in its storyline. Lastly, the cliff-hanger ending suggests that it might have a season 2 in cards.

And what about the acting, directing, and other aspects?

It explores the themes of widespread corruption and huge wealth disparity in a monarchical system. And it also questions the dubious role of the Church, especially its Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, etc. There are nobility and their castles. And then there are slum dwellers. With an eye on the contemporary world, its writers try to tell a complex story, but it did not gel well together. The natural flow of the story was somewhat lacking. In complete contrast, the cinematography is top-class. They clearly depicted the contrasting worlds of the rich castles and the poor slums in the show. Moreover, the shots of the draught hit the barren landscape looked eerily haunting and disturbing.

Also, we liked the decent performances of Pio Marmaï (Nero), Louis-Do de Lencquesaing (Rochemort), Alice Isaaz (Hortense), and Perla (Lili-Rose Carlier Taboury). They all play the key characters. But the other cast members of the ensemble cast did have meaty roles. So, most of them could not hold our undivided attention. Even the direction of the show seems to be a bit flat. Both the acting and the directing are just about adequate. On the other hand, the show does a good job in the fight sequences as well as the violent scenes. They seem realistic and violent.

The conclusion, is it good

We read that some people are comparing the “Nero the Assassin” series with the “Game of Thrones” series. Is it a joke? Or is it a part of a very good marketing plan? Well, you let us know. It is an okay (good) show, as it is uneven in its storytelling. The open-ended first season finale suggests that perhaps this French series can redeem itself in future. Maybe they can tie up all the loose ends and answer all the unanswered queries. Is Nero pursuing vengeance? No, we do not think so. So, is he seeking redemption? Yes, we definitely think so. However, to conclude, his redemption arc is still incomplete. So, let us wait.

Rating: Nero the Assassin (Season 1/France/2025) Series

Poster: Nero the Assassin (Season 1/France/2025) Series

Southern France, 16th century. Our hero, a minion in the service of a power-hungry nobleman, is going to have to save his own daughter, who is in danger but whom he barely knows.

Key Details: Nero the Assassin (Season 1/France/2025) Series

Trailer: Nero the Assassin (Season 1/France/2025) Series

France, 1504. A ruthless assassin goes on the run with his estranged daughter in his quest to protect her from deadly enemies and evil forces.

Bonus Instagram short video clip of Camille Razat (La Borgne) in Nero the Assassin.

Spoilers Alert: Summaries of 8 Episodes

Lastly, read the FM Series Review of the Diary of a Ditched Girl (Season 1/Swedish) Show in our Focus Magazine. It is another European show.  

Poster, Other and Featured Images of Nero the Assassin (2025/France) Series. | Pictures Credit: Netflix.