Ever feel like a movie just gets you? Or maybe it drives you absolutely crazy because the pacing feels like a slow-motion walk through a library? That is the exact vibe of Gabriel's Inferno Part 2. Honestly, if you aren't already deep into the Sylvain Reynard book lore, jumping into this second installment is like trying to read Dante’s Divine Comedy while someone whispers Italian poetry in your ear. It’s a lot.
But for the fans? It’s everything.
The movie, directed by Tosca Musk and released back in 2020 on Passionflix, isn't just a sequel. It’s the middle meat of the first book's adaptation. Because Passionflix loves to let a story breathe (some say too much), they split the first novel into three distinct parts. Part 2 is where the "Inferno" actually starts to burn.
The Crack Pipe in the Room
Let's talk about the twist that literally everyone screams about in the comments sections of Reddit and YouTube. Why didn’t Gabriel Emerson—this "genius" Dante specialist—remember Julia from their night in the orchard years ago?
Basically, he was on drugs.
Specifically, Gabriel reveals in Gabriel's Inferno Part 2 that he was using crack cocaine during that period of his life. He legit thought the "angel" he met in the orchard was a hallucination. It sounds wild, almost like a soap opera plot, but in the context of Gabriel’s self-loathing, it actually makes sense. He didn't think he was worthy of a real human connection, so his brain filed Julia away as a drug-induced dream.
Julia, played by Melanie Zanetti, doesn't take this news lying down. She’s hurt. She’s furious. You've got this dynamic where Gabriel (Giulio Berruti) is desperately trying to win back a woman who feels like she was just a forgotten footnote in his life.
Is the Acting Actually Bad or Just "Academic"?
There is a massive debate online about Melanie Zanetti’s portrayal of Julia Mitchell. If you browse the r/RomanceBooks threads, you’ll see people calling her "bland" or saying she has a "puppy dog look."
I think that's a bit unfair.
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Julia is written as a character surviving trauma. She’s quiet, observant, and cautious. In Gabriel's Inferno Part 2, we see her finally start to grow a backbone. The classroom scene where she stands her ground? That's the turning point. Melanie Zanetti—who, fun fact, is also the voice of Chilli (the mom) from Bluey—actually brings a lot of subtle nuance to a role that could easily be one-dimensional.
On the flip side, Giulio Berruti is basically a walking statue. He captures that "Henry Cavill but with more angst" energy perfectly. Does he overact the "tortured soul" bit? Maybe. But the chemistry between the two is why this series has such a cult following.
What really happens in the plot
- The Memory Reveal: Gabriel finally connects the dots that Julia is his Julia.
- The Courtship: Instead of jumping into bed, they decide to "court." It's very old-school.
- The Taboo: They are still professor and student. This creates a massive tension because they have to hide everything from the University of Toronto administration.
- The Rivalry: We see more of Paul (James Andrew Fraser), the "nice guy" who is clearly in love with Julia and serves as the literal opposite of Gabriel’s dark energy.
The Pacing Problem (And Why It’s Intentional)
Most movies would condense this story into 90 minutes. Passionflix didn't. Gabriel's Inferno Part 2 runs for about 1 hour and 46 minutes, and it only covers a few chapters of the book.
It's slow. Like, really slow.
But here’s the thing: Tosca Musk knows her audience. The "Passionistas" don't want a "Fast and Furious" version of their favorite romance. They want to see every glance, every touch, and every line of dialogue from the book translated to the screen. If you’re looking for a tight, high-stakes thriller, you’re in the wrong place. This is a cinematic "slow burn" in the truest sense of the word.
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Production Reality: Budget vs. Vision
If you look closely at some of the scenes, you can tell this wasn't a Hollywood blockbuster budget. Some former extras have even posted on social media about the rushed sets and limited resources.
Yet, the movie still looks beautiful.
The lighting in the library scenes and the costume design for Julia’s "transformation" feel intentional. They spent the money where it mattered—the atmosphere. It feels like a fever dream of academia and repressed desire.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Series
One big misconception is that this is just another Fifty Shades of Grey. It really isn't. While Fifty Shades focused on the BDSM and the power dynamic, Gabriel's Inferno Part 2 is much more focused on the concept of "Divine Grace" and redemption.
Gabriel isn't just a "jerk with a heart of gold." He’s a man who is genuinely mentally ill and struggling with a dark past. Julia isn't just a submissive student; she’s his moral compass. The religious overtones—the references to Dante, Beatrice, and Purgatory—aren't just fluff. They are the literal bones of the story.
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How to Watch the Series in Order
If you're confused about where Part 2 fits, here is the roadmap. Don't skip around, or you will be totally lost.
- Gabriel's Inferno Part 1 (The meeting and the mystery)
- Gabriel's Inferno Part 2 (The reveal and the "courting")
- Gabriel's Inferno Part 3 (The climax of the first book)
- Gabriel's Rapture (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
- Gabriel's Redemption (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
That’s nine movies in total. It’s a massive commitment, but for fans of the "Professor/Student" trope, it's the gold standard.
Your Next Steps for the Full Experience
If you've finished the movie and feel like you're missing some context, go back to the source. The book by Sylvain Reynard has a "snarky narrator" that the movies couldn't quite capture. It adds a layer of humor that balances out the heavy drama.
Also, check out the soundtrack. The use of classical music, specifically Mozart's "Requiem," is what gives the film its haunting vibe. You can find the official Passionflix playlists on Spotify if you want to live in that headspace for a while.
If you’re watching for the first time, try bumping the playback speed to 1.1x. A lot of fans find that it fixes the "slow pacing" without ruining the emotional weight of the scenes.
Finally, keep an eye on the side characters like Rachel and Christa. Their subplots in Part 2 lay the groundwork for the massive drama that explodes in Gabriel’s Rapture. You've been warned.