In 1327, while visiting a Benedictine abbey, Franciskan friar William of Baskerville (John Turturro) is asked to investigate a mysterious death; soon, more bodies are found. A more ambitious adaptation of the classic Umberto Eco novel than the 1986 movie, covering not just the hunt for a killer but also theological issues in greater detail – and elevating the role of Margaret of Trent, a ”heretic” from the inquisitor Bernard Gui’s past. A fine cast (with a vicious Rupert Everett); tension suffers because of a bloated approach, but the series remains intriguing enough.

2019-Italy-Germany. Made for TV. 410 min. Color. Created and directed by Giacomo Battiato. Teleplay: Giacomo Battiato, Andrea Porporati, John Turturro, Nigel Williams. Novel: Umberto Eco. Music: Volker Bertelmann. Cast: John Turturro (William of Baskerville), Rupert Everett (Bernard Gui), Damian Hardung (Adso of Melk), Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Greta Scarano, Michael Emerson… Sebastian Koch, Tchéky Karyo.

Trivia: Italian title: Il nome della rosa. Originally shown in eight episodes.

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