etflix’s 2025 Italian crime drama Public Disorder, also known as A.C.A.B. La Series, delivers a gritty, unflinching exploration of life in Susa Valley in Turin, Italy’s riot police. Directed by Michele Alhaique and produced by Cattleya, this six-episode series is adapted from Carlo Bonini’s novel ACAB. It plunges viewers into a world where personal demons and public duty collide in the aftermath of a massive demonstration.

At the heart of the narrative is the internal conflict in a riot squad tasked with maintaining order amid widespread social unrest. The series takes a deep dive into the psychological and moral dilemmas faced by a riot squad in the aftermath of a violent demonstration. While ostensibly a police drama, the show transcends genre conventions by exploring the blurred lines between duty and personal life, as well as the toll that sustained exposure to chaos takes on the human psyche.

Marco Giallini anchors the show as Ivano Valenti, also known by his nickname Mazinga. As a seasoned veteran of the riot police, Valenti is portrayed with a mix of steely determination and internal conflict. Giallini’s performance captures the weariness and moral quandaries of a man who has long devoted his life to upholding the law, even as he grapples with the system’s inherent contradictions. The character’s journey reflects the harsh reality of what it means to be on the frontlines of a society in turmoil.

Opposite him, Adriano Giannini stars as Michele Nobili, the newly appointed commander who brings a breath of reformist energy into the squad. Nobili is a man caught between a desire for progressive change and the deeply entrenched traditions of the force.

Giannini’s portrayal of his character is nuanced. He reflects the hope of modernising outdated practices while also revealing the isolation and frustration that come with challenging a status quo resistant to change. His leadership is as much about inspiring trust as it is about contending with the legacy of old-school policing.

Valentina Bellè’s portrayal of Marta Sarri adds another vital dimension to the narrative. Sarri is a dedicated officer who embodies the human cost of the job. Her character is continuously torn between the demands of her profession and the sacrifices required in her personal life as a single mother.

Bellè delivers a performance marked by vulnerability and resilience, painting a vivid picture of an officer struggling to hold onto her identity amid the chaos. Her personal narrative is a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked emotional fallout experienced by those who stand in the gap during moments of societal crisis.

The 2025 series Public Disorder takes a deep dive into the psychological and moral dilemmas faced by a riot squad in the aftermath of a violent demonstration. While ostensibly a police drama, the show transcends genre conventions by exploring the blurred lines between duty and personal life, as well as the toll that sustained exposure to chaos takes on the human psyche.

Rounding out the core ensemble is Pierluigi Gigante as Salvatore Lovato. Although Lovato’s role may not be as prominent as those of his colleagues, his presence is crucial in underscoring the themes of camaraderie and the subtle bonds that develop between team members under extreme stress. Gigante’s performance offers glimpses of levity and loyalty, serving as a counterbalance to the otherwise grim tone of the series.

Public Disorder opens in the chaotic aftermath of a large-scale demonstration that leaves the city reeling. The narrative unfolds through the intertwined stories of the riot squad members as they confront not only external threats in the form of protestors and public dissent, but also their internal struggles. The series skillfully interweaves moments of explosive action with introspective character studies, highlighting how the personal lives of the officers are invariably affected by the high-stakes nature of their work.

The plot tackles issues that are as relevant today as ever; police brutality, the militarisation of law enforcement and the ethical dilemmas that arise when the duty to protect collides with the reality of systemic flaws. The narrative avoids simplistic portrayals of good versus evil. Instead, it presents a complex tableau where each character’s decisions are shaded in gray, prompting viewers to question the nature of authority and the cost of maintaining order in an increasingly polarised society.

The tension within the squad is palpable. It is a microcosm of the broader divided society. Veteran officers like Valenti are shown grappling with the weight of a long career that has hardened them against the ideals of justice. Newer faces like Nobili strive to inject progressive change into an environment steeped in tradition. This clash of philosophies is a central pillar of the series, reflecting real-world debates about police reform and accountability.

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its unflinching portrayal of how law enforcement officers absorb the stress of their profession. The riot squad members are not just faceless enforcers of the law; they are individuals grappling with moral conflicts, PTSD and fractured personal relationships. The protagonist, Sergeant Alex Carter, played with raw intensity by an as-yet-unknown breakout star, embodies this struggle. His commitment to his duty begins to erode his personal life, as his marriage deteriorates under the weight of work-related trauma.

This depiction aligns with real-world research on the psychological toll of policing. Studies show that police officers have higher rates of PTSD, depression and substance abuse than the general population. The cumulative effect of witnessing violence, making life-or-death decisions and being vilified by the public creates a psychological burden that few outside the profession truly understand.

Visually, the series is as raw as its subject matter. The cinematography employs a documentary-style approach, with handheld cameras and unpolished shots that immerse the audience in the immediacy of Rome’s urban landscape. During riot scenes, the cinematography and sound design of Public Disorder contribute significantly to its immersive experience. Riot scenes are shot with shaky, documentary-style camerawork, making the viewer feel as though they are standing amidst the chaos. The soundscape, filled with sirens, shouted commands and the dull thud of rubber bullets, amplifies the sense of chaos and urgency, making the viewer feel as if they are right there on the streets alongside the officers. The show does not rely on excessive violence to make its point. Instead, it uses the psychological fallout of such encounters to drive home its message. The sound design further contributes to the realism, with the constant hum of sirens, shouted commands and the ambient murmur of a city under duress creating an audio landscape that is as oppressive as it is authentic.

One of the show’s great achievements is its unvarnished portrayal of the psychological toll on its characters. Public Disorder challenges the notion that those in uniform are unflappable enforcers of the law. Instead, it paints a picture of individuals haunted by the trauma of their experiences, each officer carrying a personal burden that affects their relationships, mental health and overall sense of self. This focus on the internal struggles of the riot squad resonates strongly with contemporary concerns over police well-being and the broad implications of enforcing order in societies marked by deep social divides.

While the series is commendable for its ambition and its willingness to engage with complex themes, it is not without its shortcomings. Some secondary characters, particularly among the protestors and civilians, are underdeveloped, leaving a portion of the narrative feeling less explored than the internal dynamics of the police force. Additionally, certain episodes suffer from poor pacing, where the deep dive into personal drama occasionally overshadows the broad socio-political commentary.

Despite its flaws, Public Disorder is a compelling watch for those interested in the intersection of law enforcement, mental health and civil unrest. It challenges viewers to reconsider their perspectives on the people behind the riot shields, reminding them that while they are often portrayed as symbols of oppression, they too are individuals struggling to navigate an increasingly polarised world.

Public Disorder offers a timely and necessary exploration of the cost of maintaining order in an unpredictable world.

The writer has a degree in psychology with a minor in mass communication. She can be reached at ukmaryam2@gmail.com