For many viewers, Netflix’s latest crime drama,Sara - Woman In The Shadows, can be a first glimpse into Italian cinema. Although most of the cast ofSara - Woman In The Shadowsare established stars in Italy, only a few of them have acted in English-language projects. But whether one is watching with English subtitles, dubbing, or in the original Italian, each actor in the show brings years of talent and charisma to the screen.Sara - Woman In The Shadowsis a show about former special operative Sara Morozzi (Teresa Saponangelo) and her quest to get justice for her son’s murder.
The show blends high-energy cinematography with grounded color grating and editing to create the ideal atmosphere of tension. While other crime shows may focus on moretraditional murder mysteries, like the classicTwin Peaks, or focus ondrug-related organized crime, likeBreaking Bad, the spy aspect ofSara - Woman In The Shadowsputs a unique twist on the genre. While it may not be as famous as other shows,Sara - Woman In The Shadowshas clearly taken pointers from some of thebest crime dramas of all time.
Teresa Saponangelo as Sara Morozzi
Born August 16, 2025
Actor:Teresa Saponangelo was born in Taranto, Apulia, Italy and was nominated for Nastro d’Argento’s Best Actress award in 2000 for her performance as Imma inIn The Beginning There Was Underwear.Saponangelo is best known for playing Maria Schisa inThe Hand of Godin 2021.
1999
2004
2020
Maria Schisa
2021
Character:InSara - Woman In The Shadows, Teresa Saponangelo plays Sara Morozzi, a former intelligence agent. Over the course of her career, Sara put her duty to her country above her responsibilities as a parent, leading to her son, Giorgio, dying an untimely death. As the show progresses, Sara gets a second chance at caring for her family in the form of Giorgio’s wife, Viola, and their newborn son.
Claudia Gerini as Teresa
Born July 15, 2025
Actor:Claudia Gerini was born in Rome, Italy, andshe first made waves playing Jessica inViaggi Di Nozzein 1995. Although Gerini is a pillar of Italian cinema, she is perhaps best known in the English-speaking world for playing Claudia Procles inThe Passion Of The Christ.
2003
2017
Love And Bullets
Donna Maria
Character:In many ways, Claudia Gerini’s Teresa is a foil to Sara inSara - Woman In The Shadows. Teresa is a spy like Sara, but, unlike Sara, she never left the agency and is currently the head of the unit. But although the circumstances of their lives are different,Sara - Woman In The Shadowsultimately suggests that Sara and Teresa are more similar than they are different.
Flavio Furno As Pardo
Born August 14, 2025
Actor:Flavio Furno was born in Naples, Campania, Italy, andhe had his big break in television playing Sandro in the 2013 Italian sitcomOmbrelloni.Since then, Furno has appeared in numerous movies and television shows, and his best known role to date is Luca in the 2022 Netflix filmFour To Dinner.
2014
2014-2015
Luca
2022
Character:Flavio Furno’s Pardo is equal parts emotional center and comic relief inSara - Woman In The Shadows. He is an ordinary police officer who initially suspects Sara, but quickly comes around to helping her once he understands the situation. Even though Sara and Teresa don’t always take Pardo seriously, he has a cleaner consciousness than either of them.
Chiara Celotto as Viola
Born June 12, 2025
Actor:Chiara Celotto was born in Naples, Campania, Italy. As a young actor, Celotto graduated from short films and single-episode appearances on television withthe 2022 film,The Bohemian, in which she played Carmela.She is best known for playing Paola inLa Casa Degli Sguardi.
2023
Paola
2024
Character:InSara - Woman In The Shadows,Chiara Celotto plays the recently widowed pregnant daughter-in-law of Sara. Although Giorgio’s estranged relationship with his mother means that, at first, Viola does not feel like she can trust Sara, the familial bond that the pair form quickly becomes the heart of the series.
Sara - Woman In The Shadows Supporting Cast & Characters
Giacomo Giorgio as Ciro Musella:Giacomo Giorgio plays a young cop and friend of Pardo, Ciro Musella. Giorgio is best known for his work in Italian television shows likeThe Sea Beyondin 2020 andSopravvissutiin 2022.
Erasmo Genzini:Erasmo Genzini plays Sergio inSara - Woman In The Shadows.Sergio was Teresa’s husband and another secret agent before his untimely murder. He is known for his work inLa Voce Che Hai Dentroin 2023 and Mina Settembre in 2021.
Massimo Popolizio as Corrado Lembo:Massimo Popolizio plays Corrado Lembo, the shady head of the Secret Service unit that both Sara and Teresa worked for. Popolizio is best known for his work in movies like Sono Tornato in 2018,The Predatorsin 2020, andOnce Upon A Time In Bethlehemin 2019.
