Vermiglio is a film that defies simple categorization, shining brightly on multiple fronts. This remarkable work has garnered notable accolades, including the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious 2024 Venice Film Festival, positioning it as a strong contender for Italy’s entry at the Oscars. Additionally, it has become a box office success within Italy, showcasing its broad appeal. The film is characterized by its artistic flair, atmospheric undertones, and a keen observational style, providing viewers with a richly immersive experience that transports them to a particular time and place. Its pacing is deliberate, creating a mesmerizing flow that holds the audience’s attention.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Vermiglio serves as a captivating family dramedy, artfully blending humor and poignancy. The film meticulously studies its characters while simultaneously advancing the narrative, proving that subtlety can convey substantial depth. Although it explores a myriad of themes, each one harmoniously intertwines, resulting in a cohesive cinematic experience that transcends mere description—it’s magic captured on screen.
A Portrait of Time, Place & Family
Key Romance Interwoven with the Narrative
The film’s standout feature lies in its remarkable specificity. Set in the picturesque and isolated village of Vermiglio, nestled within the alpine region of Trentino-Alto Adige, the narrative paints a portrait of Italian life that feels worlds apart from the modern era. Local dialect enriches the dialogue, with Italian subtitles providing accessibility. Writer-director Maura Delpero crafts a narrative steeped in the authentic cadence of daily life, allowing viewers to quickly gain a deep appreciation of this unique setting.
While Vermiglio may evoke a sense of timelessness, it is set against the backdrop of 1944, infusing the plot with significant historical weight. The story revolves around a family confronted with the arrival of two deserting soldiers. One soldier is a relative, nephew to the family patriarch, Cesare (Tommaso Ragno), who also serves as the village schoolteacher. The other, Pietro (Giuseppe De Domenico), hails from Sicily and feels like an alien presence. His gentle nature soon captivates Cesare’s eldest daughter, Lucia (Martina Scrinzi).
Through these character dynamics, viewers witness genuine lives unfolding—the quiet yet profound moments that define family relationships. A tender bond between sisters sharing whispers at night, Cesare’s favoritism towards Flavia (Anna Thaler) over Ada, who yearns for education, and the admiration little Pietrin (Enrico Panizza) holds for his older brother Dino (Patrick Gardner), who regularly confronts their father, all contribute to a deeply felt narrative. Moreover, the pregnant mother, Adele (Roberta Rovelli), highlights the delicate dance between life and death in a time when survival was uncertain.
Empathy Fuels Vermiglio’s Stunning Imagery
Rooted in a Personal Narrative
Every scene in Vermiglio is thoughtfully constructed, brimming with layers of meaning that reward careful observation. A key aspect of the film is its focus on the experiences of women during a challenging period, underscoring the richness of character portrayals. From my first viewing at the Venice Film Festival, I was struck by the film’s beauty—cinematographer Mikhail Krichman employs soft lighting that evokes a velvety warmth, achieving a striking contrast against the film’s snowy backdrop, reminiscent of esteemed winter cinematography.
Delpero’s nuanced depiction of Cesare is particularly noteworthy. While he embodies patriarchal authority and often prioritizes his own needs, his character is explored with depth and compassion. The film captures his inherent struggles, allowing viewers to empathize with his position. Delpero’s personal connection is revealed in her inspiration, as she based this family on her own experiences. The project emerged as a means for her to reimagine her father’s childhood and process her grief following his death. This emotional thread permeates the film, cementing its impact on audiences.
Mark your calendars: Vermiglio hits US theaters on December 25. The film runs for 119 minutes and awaits its rating.
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