Netflix dropped a trailer for its upcoming adaptation of Julia May Jonas’ Vladimir.
Jonas’ novel, published in 2022 by Avid Reader Press, follows an unnamed English professor whose husband, also a professor, has been accused of having inappropriate relationships with his students; she becomes obsessed with Vladimir, a young novelist who has just moved to her town. In a starred review, a critic for Kirkus wrote of the book, “Like the man she shackles to a chair in the prologue, once this narrator has you, she won't let go. A remarkable debut.”
The limited-series adaptation is created and written by Jonas, and stars Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) as the English professor, John Slattery (Mad Men) as her husband, and Leo Woodall (The White Lotus) as Vladimir. Other cast members include Ellen Robertson (Mickey 17), Jessica Henwick (Game of Thrones), and Matt Walsh (Veep).
The trailer opens with Weisz, in a voiceover, saying, “It’s come to my attention that I’ve just lost the ability to captivate. It’s like my husband and my students, even my daughter, find my entire personhood useless.”
Later, she is introduced to Woodall, who tells her, “I’ve read your book. It’s so fucking good. The romance, fixation, and the pining. I have a thing for crazy girls.”
In another scene, Weisz grabs Woodall’s shoulder, and says, “Sorry. I just wanted to be sure you were here in the flesh.”
“As opposed to what?” he asks. “Oh, in my dreams,” she responds.
Vladimir is scheduled to premiere on Netflix March 5.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
