The Decameron official trailer
The Decameron star Jessica Plummer has opened up about her role of Filomena after trading EastEnders for the Black Death in Netflix’s new medieval comedy.
Previously known for her breakout role as Chantelle Atkins in the BBC soap, she’s now taking on a very different role in the raucous new drama set 700 years ago.
While the plague is decimating Europe, the noble Filomena and her handmaiden Licisca (played by Sex Education's Tanya Reynolds) are invited to escape the disease at a luxurious villa.
There she hopes to score a rich husband and secure her future, but the party quickly descends into chaos and Filomena is stripped of her title thanks to a shocking case of mistaken identity.
Shedding light on the role, actress Jessica recalled: “When I first read the script, I thought she was bratty and entitled, which she is.”
However, viewers will quickly discover there are more layers to Filomena as they make their way through the Decameron, which drops on Netflix tomorrow (June 25).
Jessica reveals she had this exact experience when she started delving into what makes Filomena so entitled.
“But she’s also quite sensitive and a very layered character that was fun to play,” she went on in her interview with Netflix for the series.
“She's definitely misunderstood, but that's because of this mask that she has chosen to put on.”
Viewers will be able to peel back those layers as they make their way through the series and Filomena starts making connections with the other noblemen and women, merchants and servants at the villa.
They include her handmaiden Licisca as well as Misia (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), the codependent servant of Pampinea (Zosia Mamet), who’s determined to become the lady of the house.
Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica teased: “Misia is quite a complex woman. She's sort of always on the brink of something, usually a breakdown.
“She probably has the least self-esteem out of all of the characters, but that doesn't mean she's not strong.
“She's quite strong-willed, and she would really do anything for Pampinea.”
Created by Kathleen Jordan, who took inspiration from a medieval collection of stories set during the plague, The Decameron is sure to scratch that Bridgerton itch with a healthy dose of raunchy humour.
The Decameron releases Thursday, July 25 on Netflix.
