Exploring the age-old debate with the KHAMSA team.
In KHAMSA‘s series, ‘Book vs. Movie’, we bring together two of our editors to sit and discuss a novel and film of the same name. Through this, we will explore the similarities and differences of both and how they stack up against each other as an experience.
In this edition, KHAMSA’s Sakina Juzar and Pranav Unnikrishnan showcase two perspectives of My Brilliant Friend, the novel by Elena Ferrante (translated by Ann Goldstein in English in 2012) and a lively HBO adaptation (now gearing up for a new Season). Through their words, we’ll explore what was gained or lost in the transition from page to screen, and whether the movie does justice to the emotional complexity of Ferrante’s bestseller.
Let’s dive into the comparisons and see where their opinions land.
When Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend first came out, it wasn’t just a book, it was a phenomenon. The story of Lenù and Lila, two childhood friends growing up in a working-class neighbourhood in Naples, resonated with millions. Their friendship—fierce, complicated, and sometimes downright messy—felt so real that it was almost unsettling. Now with an HBO series, could it possibly match the depth and nuance of Ferrante’s words?
The only answer here is that both the book and the series deliver— but in a manner of their own.
Pranav Unnikrishnan (PU): The book itself is a masterpiece of introspection. Narrated by Elena (or Lenù), it gives you a front-row seat to her most private thoughts. You feel her awe and envy of Lila, a girl who seems to possess an almost otherworldly brilliance and fearlessness. Through Lenù’s eyes, we watch their neighbourhood come alive with grit and tension, shaping their destinies. Every family has its secrets, and every friendship has its cracks. And while the book moves through decades of their lives, Ferrante always keeps the focus intimate.
“It’s a story that is not just about two girls but about ambition, loyalty, and how the ties that bind us can also hold us back.”
Sakina Juzar (SJ): “From the very first episode, it’s clear the creators were determined to honour Ferrante’s vision.”
“The production is stunningly authentic. Filmed in Italian and Neapolitan dialects, it’s a refreshing break from glossy, overly polished adaptations. The sets recreate 1950s Naples, with its sun-bleached facades and claustrophobic alleyways. You can almost smell the sea air and feel the tension in the streets. The casting is pitch-perfect, too. Gaia Girace as Lila is electrifying as she embodies Lila’s sharp wit and simmering anger effortlessly. Margherita Mazzucco, as Lenù, captures her quiet longing to rise above her circumstances and, perhaps more importantly, her constant struggle to understand Lila.”
“The series uses dramatic cinematography to create mood and atmosphere, almost as if it’s desperately trying to compensate for the intricacies of the book. However, moments like Lila’s wedding, the unsettling violence of the Solaras, or Lenù’s academic victories hit harder when you can see them unfold on screen.”
PU: “I agree with the compensating part. Lenù’s lingering glances, moments of silence, and body language convey what’s left unsaid, but it doesn’t always capture the full emotional complexity of her thoughts.”
“For readers who loved being inside Lenù’s head, this might feel like something’s missing. The book takes its time, immersing you in every detail of their lives—from the way the neighbourhood politics play out to the weight of academic success in Lenù’s journey.”
“The TV series, while faithful, has to condense certain events, inevitably losing some of the nuances that make the book so rich.”
SJ: “Absolutely. However, it is not wrong to admit that the visuals underscore the socio-economic divide that Ferrante weaves into her narrative. The looming presence of the Solaras, the local loan sharks, is more palpable on screen, as is the violence—both physical and psychological—that pervades the characters’ lives. Scenes like a man being beaten to the brink of death or a girl being thrown out of a window hit harder when brought to life visually.”
“Yet, the series never lets the violence overshadow the relationships. Lila and Lenù’s bond remains the focal point, as does the larger web of connections within their community. The show takes great care to depict the ensemble cast, from Lenù’s strict yet loving parents to Lila’s volatile family and the ambitious, morally ambiguous Stefano Caracci. These relationships are the threads that sew together Ferrante’s complicated world.”
“And I think we both can agree that the soundtrack needs to be discussed! The hauntingly beautiful score by Max Richter adds another layer to the storytelling. It’s almost like another character, amplifying the emotions in scenes where words aren’t enough.”
“Ultimately, My Brilliant Friend succeeds as both a faithful adaptation and a standalone masterpiece. The series captures the raw intensity of Ferrante’s storytelling, from the turbulent friendship at its core to the vividly rendered world around it. While book fans might miss the deeper introspection of Lenù’s narrative voice, the series offers something equally compelling: a visual and emotional journey that brings Ferrante’s words to life.”
SJ and PU: “So, where does this leave us? The book thrives on Lenù’s internal monologue—her fears, her frustrations, and her obsessive need to compare herself to Lila. The series, by necessity, shifts much of this introspection into visual storytelling. The book and the TV series each bring something unique to the table.”
“If you want a deeply personal, almost diary-like exploration of Lenù and Lila’s bond, the book will give you that intimacy. But if you’re drawn to vivid visuals, stellar performances, and an authentic depiction of Naples, the TV series will blow you away.”
“Overall, for fans of Ferrante’s world, the ideal solution might just be to experience both. Start with the book to soak in the intricate layers of the story, then watch the series to see it come alive in ways you never imagined. Together, they paint a fuller picture of a friendship that’s as raw and unforgettable as the city that shaped it.”
