Julia May Jonas discusses her debut novel 'Vladimir' and its upcoming Netflix adaptation starring Rachel Weisz, sharing her 'mix of terror, excitement and dread.' She explains her withdrawal from online discourse, delves into the book's complex themes of obsession, desire, #MeToo, and generational divides, and highlights how the show expands on her original work.
Julia May Jonas is experiencing a "mix of terror, excitement and dread" as the TV adaptation of her debut novel, 'Vladimir,' starring Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall, prepares to hit Netflix. Jonas, who was once very active on Twitter, withdrew from online engagement in mid-2022 to avoid being derailed by public reception, acknowledging the ego's insatiable nature. 'Vladimir' was praised for its witty exploration of a professor's obsession with a younger colleague, set against the backdrop of her refusing to condemn her husband for affairs in an open marriage, which predated explicit student relationship bans. Jonas, a playwright for over two decades, is drawn to "unresolvable questions" and "intractable dilemmas," including how to find authentic desire outside of being objectified and the complexities of navigating #MeToo as a woman. She argues against the "kneejerk dismissal" of "problematic texts," advocating for deeper engagement with art, drawing influences from writers like John Updike and Nabokov's 'Laughter in the Dark,' which explores how obsessions can distort reality. Jonas clarifies that the Netflix show is its own entity, with Weisz adding layers of insecurity to the protagonist and the addition of Lila's character to give voice to the unnamed complainant, emphasizing the husband's exploitative actions. Jonas is currently editing her second novel, 'Diana,' and staging a play, 'A Woman Among Women,' while balancing family life and adhering to a disciplined writing routine.
