Breaking the Cycle: a Tale of Hope and Horror

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Familia
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Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 2h 4m
Director(s): Francesco Costabile
Writer(s): Adriano Chiarelli, Francesco Costabile, Vittorio Moroni
Cast: Francesco Gheghi, Barbara Ronchi, Francesco Di Leva, Marco Cicalese, Francesco De Lucia, Stefano Valentini
Language: Italian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Set against the early 2000s backdrop of Rome’s crumbling pillars, the film introduces us to Luigi Celeste, otherwise known as Gigi (Francesco Gheghi,) whose journey in FAMILIA develops a deep dive into familial turmoil and societal pressures. Struggling against the dark influence of his abusive father, Franco (Francesco Di Leva,) Gigi’s life is a canvas of deep emotional scars and an ongoing battle for acceptance. This film intricately portrays these dynamics, creating a narrative rich with psychological exploration and complex character interplays.

Directed by Francesco Costabile, FAMILIA brings to life Luigi Celeste’s gripping novel, "Non-Sarà Sempre Così – It Won’t Be Like This Forever." The film navigates the turbulent waters of inherited violence and the longing for redemption. Costabile’s direction intertwines scenes of stark realism with psychological depth, crafting a storyline that captures the audience's attention from the opening credits to the closing scene.

The film’s genre-crossing approach melds psychological thriller and horror elements with a sharp social critique, drawing the audience into the rarely portrayed depths of emotional and psychological trauma. The decay of Rome’s borders provides more than just a setting—it mirrors the internal disarray of its characters, enhancing the film’s gripping atmosphere.

As Gigi seeks a sense of belonging, the narrative explores poignant themes of identity and the quest for connection. Franco, depicted as both a feared and revered figure, stands at the center of Gigi’s internal and external conflicts, embodying the dark past that continues to shape the present. This complex relationship is a focal point of the film, illustrating the challenges of breaking free from cycles of violence.

The storyline also casts a critical eye on the plight of women caught in abusive relationships through Licia’s (Barbara Ronchi) experiences, highlighted by societal and systemic failures. These elements of the narrative not only drive the film’s plot but serve as a call to action for addressing such pervasive issues. Alessandro (Marco Cicalese), the more stable and rational presence within the family, underscores the narrative’s focus on protection and tragedy, marking the profound impact of unresolved traumas.

Franco’s character emerges as a paradox, showcasing both warmth and ferocity. His multifaceted nature provides a window into the complexities of human behavior, where conflicting impulses coexist, creating a volatile environment. This nuanced portrayal encourages viewers to ponder the fine line between affection and destruction.

FAMILIA is a masterclass in using the environment as a metaphor. The restrictive architecture of the urban world and the vast, empty landscapes enveloping the characters symbolize their emotional and physical isolation. Costabile’s keen eye for visual storytelling amplifies the film's emotional resonance, pulling viewers deeper into the narrative’s emotional core.

The film is more than a mere saga; FAMILIA addresses broader societal dysfunction and institutional inadequacies. The film critiques the mechanisms perpetuating violence and overlooks the vulnerable, positioning itself as a significant commentary on the need for empathy and systemic change.

FAMILIA concludes as a profound meditation on the bonds that tether us to our past and the choices that shape our futures. It challenges viewers to reflect on the complex dance of love and violence that defines family dynamics, offering a story that is as thought-provoking as it is visually compelling.

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[photo courtesy of MEDUSA FILM, TRAMP LIMITED, INDIGO FILM, O’GROOVE]

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