TIFF 2024: Vermiglio (With Movie Trailer)
Maura Delpero’s latest film, Vermiglio, is making its North American premiere at TIFF 2024, and it’s set to captivate audiences with its evocative portrayal of a remote Italian village during the twilight of World War II. This film isn’t just a visual feast but a deeply moving narrative that explores the impact of historical upheaval on personal lives and community dynamics.
The Premise
Vermiglio is set in a high mountain village in the Italian Alps, a place seemingly untouched by the wider conflict of World War II until the arrival of Pietro, a Sicilian soldier. Pietro, having carried his injured comrade Attilio back to his hometown, becomes a celebrated figure in the village. Despite the hero’s welcome, Pietro remains a bit of an outsider, and his presence sparks a series of events that unravel long-held traditions and prejudices within the tight-knit community.
The film unfolds in four distinct chapters, each representing a different season, which beautifully mirrors the emotional and narrative shifts in the story. As Pietro’s romance with Lucia (Martina Scrinzi), the eldest daughter of the village schoolteacher (Tommaso Ragno), develops, it sets off a chain reaction that exposes underlying issues of misogyny, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness.
Why You Should Watch It
- Visual Splendor: Maura Delpero’s direction is nothing short of breathtaking. Every scene is meticulously crafted, turning the natural beauty of the Italian Alps into a character of its own. With cinematography by Mikhail Krichman, known for his work with Andrey Zvyagintsev, the film captures both the rugged landscapes and the intimate moments of daily life with stunning clarity.
- Emotional Depth: Vermiglio delves into the struggles of its characters with a delicate touch. The film’s emotional impact is enhanced by its slow, contemplative pacing, which allows the audience to deeply connect with the characters’ internal and external conflicts.
- Richly Detailed Storytelling: The narrative explores the tension between tradition and change, focusing on how global events filter down to affect individual lives. Delpero’s script, inspired in part by her own family history, provides a nuanced look at how historical forces influence personal and familial relationships.
- Strong Performances: The cast, led by Giuseppe De Domenico as Pietro and Martina Scrinzi as Lucia, deliver performances that are both subtle and powerful. Scrinzi, in particular, shines as she navigates her character’s evolving sense of self amid the upheaval brought by Pietro’s arrival.
- Cultural and Historical Insight: The film offers a glimpse into a world where ancient traditions clash with the encroaching modernity of the war-torn era. It portrays how isolated communities maintain their way of life while grappling with the changes imposed by broader historical events.
Screening Information
Catch Vermiglio at TIFF 2024 on the following dates:
- Monday, September 9
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening – 8:50 AM - Tuesday, September 10
Royal Alexandra Theatre
8:45 PM - Wednesday, September 11
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
1:45 PM - Friday, September 13
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
6:15 PM
Final Thoughts
Vermiglio is a film that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. Maura Delpero’s second feature showcases her ability to blend beautiful imagery with deep emotional resonance, offering a powerful story about love, tradition, and the impact of historical change on small, isolated communities. If you’re at TIFF 2024, make sure this gem is on your radar—it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
