Netflix’s salacious and compulsive new drama is a must-watch for readers and binge-watchers alike.

Netflix first-look at scandalous show based on ‘exhilarating’ novel (Image: NETFLIX)

Netflix has unearthed the first-look images of a subversive and scandalous new drama series that’s hitting the streaming service in just a few weeks.

Based on a critically acclaimed page-turner and adapted by the author, Vladimir features an all-star cast and delves into some shocking themes that are certain to keep fans on edge.

This eight-episode series is based on Julia May Jonas’ 2022 novel of the same name, with Jonas herself penning the scripts.

Starring Rachel Weisz (The Favourite) and Leo Woodall (One Day), the drama follows a middle-aged professor who becomes obsessed with her younger colleague.

Weisz describes the narrative as a “heightened fairy tale”, while Jonas teased, via Tudum: “It explores what women feel like they’re allowed to desire, and how they’re allowed to desire.”

A middle-aged professor becomes obsessed with a younger colleague (Image: NETFLIX)

“The protagonist’s crush is contagious,” a synopsis reads. “And her eight-episode undoing pulls you in like a riptide.”

Jonas’ must-watch upcoming series will delve deep into the psyche of Weisz’s character, known simply as ‘M’, including her floundering marriage with fellow academic John (played by John Slattery), which has been open for a number of years.

Plus, their lives soon become increasingly complicated as the liberal arts college where the couple both works is accusing John of sexual assault, all while M and Vladimir (Woodall) become increasingly entangled.

Weisz adds: “The series explores themes related to desire, obsession, sexuality, lust. It also delves into the world of campus gender politics and cancel culture.”

This irresistible drama hits screens in March (Image: NETFLIX)

The eight-part drama explores a “contagious” crush (Image: NETFLIX)

Joining the already stellar cast is Jessica Henwick (Glass Onion) as Vladimir’s “hotshot” wife Cynthia and Ellen Robertson (Too Much) as M’s daughter, Sid.

“There’s definitely comedy and drama,” the leading actress went on. “It’s mischievous and a good tonal cocktail for exploring some very serious subjects and issues.

“Her fantasy is about the power of desire — the invigorating, stimulating, inspiring, and revivifying feeling that she gets from her obsession with Vlad. What it’s about is coming back to life in a certain way [after lying] dormant for some time.”

Ahead of the series’ dropping all eight episodes on Thursday, 5th March, readers have already been raving about Jonas’ original book, which streamers should be sure to check out before watching the series.

M and John’s marriage is going nowhere (Image: NETFLIX)

Vladimir is based on the bestselling novel by Julia May Jonas (Image: NETFLIX)

One Goodreads user called the book an “an exhilarating ride!” while another described it as a “razor-sharp, post-#metoo novel”.

Another fan gushed: “I was obsessed – character driven novels are always my favourite, but the writing style took vladimir to the next level.

“It felt like I was a part of the narrator’s stream of consciousness or internal dialogue the entire time and I loved it. I also thought the ending was nuts, but like in a good way?”

Fans still have a few weeks to check out the original novel before Vladimir hits screens in just over a month’s time.

Vladimir premieres Thursday, 5th March on Netflix.