Unveiling Feminism in Dystopian Shadows

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Darkness (Buio)
–

Genre: World Cinema, Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 2019, 2023 Film Movement+
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Emanuela Rossi
Writer(s): Claudio Corbucci, Emanuela Rossi
Cast: Denise Tantucci, Valerio Binasco, Gaia Bocci, Olimpia Tosatto, Elettra Mallaby, Francesco Genovese
Language: Italian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: U.S. premiere on Film Movement Plus on July 28, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Join me in this exploration of Emanuela Rossi's debut feature film, DARKNESS, an unexpected voyage that fuses elements of suspense, horror, and an undercurrent of potent feminist commentary. Collaborating with co-writer Claudio Corbucci, Rossi constructs a narrative that defies single-genre classification, effortlessly drifting between psychological thrillers, family dramas, and a splash of science fiction.

Rossi draws inspiration from the narrative techniques of well-known directors; the story unfolds as an eerie tale told at a midnight gathering. Welcome to a grim, secluded villa, where the uncanny quietness and mysterious illumination amplify the overwhelming feeling of solitude. The meticulously chosen setting plays a pivotal role, encapsulating the audience in a palpable sense of isolation – a recurrent theme in this film.

In DARKNESS, the characters are thrown into the heart of seclusion, where the film subtly grapples with grander issues such as environmentalism, patriarchal dominance, and guilt. The successful blending of various cinematic styles and Denise Tantucci's compelling portrayal of a woman suppressed under patriarchal rule undoubtedly tug at the heartstrings. In the seemingly endless gloom, Rossi’s cinematic narrative promises a shimmering glimpse of a brighter tomorrow.

The story takes place in a world crippled by a devastating solar flare, focusing on the lives of three sisters – Stella (Denise Tantucci,) Luce (Gaia Bocci,) and Aria (Olimpia Tosatto.) Trapped within the confines of their home, they can only imagine the outside world that their father (Valerio Binasco) dares to brave until one of his adventures into the wild changes everything.

Deviating from the mainstream, DARKNESS emerges as a breath of fresh air. It managed to rekindle interest in genre-specific cinema in Italy and concurrently illuminated the intricacies of gender dynamics within family structures, threading a feminist narrative through the dystopian plot. Living under their father's stringent rule, the sisters endure a claustrophobic existence induced by the environmental disaster triggered by extreme solar radiation. Their solace is found in shared companionship and nostalgia-inducing media. As time becomes a recurring loop, Stella, a rebellious spirit, begins challenging her father's narrative of a hostile external world.

DARKNESS elegantly swings between the fantastical and the dramatic, spotlighting the challenges of family life against a post-apocalyptic backdrop. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the pressures within familial relationships while simultaneously drawing attention to the beauty of fleeting moments and new experiences often clouded by the hustle of life.

Despite its gloomy landscape, DARKNESS interweaves moments of playfulness and nostalgia. Their father's evening tales from the apocalyptic world become the highlight of their day until everything changes, leading Stella to make a life-altering decision.

DARKNESS shines through its exquisite production design, effectively counterbalancing any shortcomings. Rossi's debut, DARKNESS, is a remarkable journey, simultaneously captivating and intriguing its audience. It's an invitation to a film experience that combines a visually rich narrative with thought-provoking themes.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT+]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong