Gomorrah: The Origins Offers Stylish Mob Prequel

The television series "Gomorrah: The Origins" offers a stylish and fresh perspective on the crime drama genre, serving as a prequel to the formidable Neapolitan mobster saga "Gomorrah." The show transports viewers to Secondigliano, a dilapidated district in northern Naples, in the year 1977. This area is depicted as having been neglected by both divine and governmental forces, leaving organized crime as the primary avenue for survival against destitution. Despite the grim setting, the series emphasizes the enduring style of Naples and the late 1970s, suggesting that even individuals trapped by their circumstances will present themselves with flair.

Central to the narrative is Angelo, portrayed by Francesco Pellegrino, a young man in his early twenties who emerges as the most fashionable gangster in his neighborhood. Angelo is characterized by his striking appearance, including collar-length curls, intensely expressive eyes, and a wardrobe dominated by spectacular leather jackets. His arrival in his car, executing a dusty skid, draws the admiration of local children. He is often seen in open-collared silk shirts featuring intricate two-tone brown patterns, complemented by a prominent chest hair and medallion ensemble. While Angelo possesses a certain swagger, he also carries a palpable sense of unfulfilled ambition. His influence is limited to his immediate vicinity, and he perceives the share of profits allocated to him by the larger crime syndicates as a meager fraction of the total earnings.

Angelo's crew members are also presented with distinct sartorial choices, favoring leather outerwear in various styles, such as boxy mustard jackets or calf-length burgundy coats. Although content with their current standing, Angelo harbors aspirations for greater power and wealth. The series is noted for its rich detail and aesthetic appeal, with the reviewer suggesting that its quality is such that actors from "The Godfather" would not seem out of place. The visual presentation, particularly the emphasis on leather garments and the overall fashion of the era and location, contributes significantly to the show's distinctiveness. The narrative explores the allure and the harsh realities of organized crime within a specific socio-economic and historical context, highlighting the tension between aspiration and the constraints of one's environment.