Citadel: Diana promises to be an exciting ride with its mix of action and espionage, but does it really hit the mark in comparison to Priyanka Chopra's OG show? The series introduces us to Diana, a determined undercover agent with a personal vendetta against the Manticore syndicate. This group is responsible for the tragic plane crash that took her parents' lives, driving her quest for revenge.
Citadel: Diana – Plot
The six-episode series revolves around Diana Cavalieri ( played by Matilda De Angelis), known as Agent 308, who works for Manticore Italy. This group is made up of the richest families, with the Zani family running the operations in Italy. Set in the near future of 2030, the story takes place in a country facing high crime and political issues, where the Prime Minister wants to change laws about weapons. Manticore Italy has lost power due to rival spy groups in France and Germany.
https://youtu.be/S7AErSAxxJ8?si=FKKYkyNyUoPgcUAH
Ettore Zani, the leader of Manticore Italy, has a second son named Edo. Unlike his father, Edo believes in transforming Manticore into a force for peace and order. He secretly works on a deal with Manticore’s French and German branches without telling Ettore. Their relationship is strained, as both men try to outsmart each other. Edo and Diana join forces to reshape Manticore Italy, but while Edo sees Diana as a true ally, his father doubts her loyalty and suspects her of betrayal.
We also learn about Diana’s past. Her parents died in a plane crash in 2007, and she has been determined to find out who was responsible. She joined Manticore Italy eight years before the events of the series. Her younger sister, Sara, thinks Diana works in finance but is suspicious of her true activities
As these power struggles unfold, Citadel, a secret organisation of spies, operates in the shadows. Citadel does not answer to any country and aims to ensure safety for everyone. The rivalry between Citadel and Manticore raises questions about Diana's true loyalties. Is she a double agent? Will she get revenge for her parents?
The show takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of Europe, especially showcasing the beauty of Italy, France, and Germany. The visuals are sleek and stylish, perfectly fitting the spy genre's allure. You can almost feel the adrenaline rush as the camera pans over stunning landscapes and high-tech environments.
Citadel: Diana – Direction
Directed by the Russo Brothers, who are known for their blockbuster films, Citadel: Diana certainly looks the part. The action sequences are well-crafted and exhilarating, keeping the energy high throughout. However, the story itself struggles to maintain that same level of engagement. At times, the pacing feels off.
One of the major drawbacks is the character development. While characters like Gabriele and Ettore Zani have intriguing potential, their backstories and motivations are not fully explored. Instead of diving deep into what makes them tick, the series tends to gloss over their complexities.
The narrative style also tries to be clever by employing a non-linear approach, which can sometimes add mystery. Unfortunately, in this case, it often leads to confusion rather than clarity. Instead of enhancing the story, it makes it harder to follow.
Citadel: Diana – Performances
Matilda De Angelis stands out as Diana, showcasing her acting range in both dramatic and action-heavy scenes. Her ability to convey emotion adds depth to her character. Diana is at the heart of the story, having infiltrated Manticore to expose and dismantle it from within. She receives training from Gabriele, a veteran agent who helps her navigate the treacherous world of espionage.
Lorenzo Cervasio, playing Eduardo, also impresses with his calm and calculated demeanour, making his performance memorable amidst all of them.
Citadel: Diana – Final Verdict
In a nutshell, while Citadel: Diana has some thrilling moments and a few strong performances, it ultimately misses the mark as a gripping spy thriller. The plot lacks the tension and depth needed to engage the audience, making it feel like a missed opportunity.