Mascarpone

So what have we here? "Mascarpone" is an Italian LGBTQ+ remake of "An Unmarried Woman", (well, perhaps not but we are in the same ballpark), as Antonio is dumped by his husband and partner of 12 years. For the rest of the movie he's basically having sex with a number of handsome hunks presumably in the hope that one of them will turn out to be Mr. Right. What little spare time he has he spends baking and looking for the perfect Mascarpone recipe until finally he realizes....

Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it. It's obvious the attractive cast were picked for their looks and not their acting abilities though the screenplay does provide a few laugh-out-loud moments. On the one hand, too explicit for mass consumption and on the other too coy, (no full frontals), for its intended audience so it's unlikely to find a market. Not bad exactly, just a bit ho-hum.

This film out of Italy deals with a man's fork in the road as he turns 30, uncertain of what his path forward is. Antonio, who has been in a relationship since high school with Lorenzo, is in for a rude awakening when he's suddenly thrust into the uncertain world of 'single hood' after Lorenzo unceremoniously dumps him after 12 years. Antonio didn't see this coming. He's now on his own, feeling his way without the life tools he didn't learn having been sheltered for so long. He meets some interesting characters along the way. Denis, though very different, becomes his closest friend, helping him to find work and a place to live. Through him, he meets Luca, a bakery owner who hires Antonio since he has expressed a strong interest and talent in baking. The writing is very good, as are the direction and acting. The three main characters blend well together despite their very opposite backgrounds and natures. They support each other and help Antonio to finally grow up and cast his own shadow rather than being in other people's. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, especially the interplay between the characters who grow to love each other.

This picture is somewhat reminiscent of 1978's 'An Unmarried Woman' with Jill Clayburgh similar to that film's Antonio. The ending scene of 'Mascarpone' especially reminded me of that '78 movie. Bravo!

We all need a Denis in our lives to tell us to find ourselves and grow up first before trying to settle for someone wrong, because if we are busy to be someone else, then who would be us !

A beautiful story of life, relationship, heartbreak, friendship. This movie would work as beautifully as a hetero one because of the way it was presented. It was not just about two guys separating after a long term relationship and one of them going through his "sl*t phase" after the divorce. This could have been a relationship between a man and a woman, and the impact would have been same. That's the beauty of this movie.

Every actor played their roles so naturally, it felt so normal, believable, be it Antonio's confusion, agony, sl*t phase, misery, Luca's flirting, jealousy, sadness or Denis with his flamboyant attitude but sensitive at the same time. The pace was perfect, transitions of the scenes were natural. In short, nothing looked forced, everything happening at their own time. It was a refreshing to see something so normal.

The lead actor is a standout in this funny, often irreverent, story about a house husband who's partner gets itchy feet and dumps him for someone else. Will he regret it?

And so Antonio is forced to move out and rent a room with a free spirited twink who is wiser than his years and outrageous too.

What unfolds is that re-reckoning many have to do with the dating scene and apps after a relationship ends.

The story is funny and well paced with many smart observational jibes at the transitory nature of gay relationships and the unfulfilling side of hookup culture.

The acting is very good indeed and the cast is gorgeous. Thoroughly recommended.

"Mascarpone" is a gay masterpiece; I have not seen a film like this in a very long time. Contrary to the general consensus, I believe the rating should be way higher. This film excels where most gay films fall short: character development. Every character is fully fleshed out, making their journeys deeply engaging and relatable.

Italy has been bringing some serious gay cinema lately, and "Mascarpone" is a prime example. The movie is superb, and our community needs more films like this. The story is heartfelt, the direction is impeccable, and Lorenzo Adorni is simply gorgeous. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking quality gay cinema.