Maternity Blues

Fabrizio Cattani's *Maternity Blues* attempts to delve into the harrowing subject of infanticide and its aftermath, but despite the weight of its premise, the film falters in its execution. What could have been a deeply emotional and thought-provoking exploration instead feels overly contrived and emotionally distant.

The narrative follows Clara, a woman sent to a psychiatric facility after committing an unspeakable act. While the setting offers a chance to examine the fragile psyches of the women within, the script leans too heavily on melodrama, failing to provide the nuanced depth that such a story demands. The characters often feel like one-dimensional archetypes, their struggles reduced to surface-level portrayals that lack authenticity.

Cattani's direction, while earnest, lacks the subtlety needed to navigate the complexities of this sensitive subject matter. The heavy-handed dialogue and overwrought performances detract from the film's potential impact, leaving key moments feeling forced rather than poignant. The visual style, though atmospheric, doesn't compensate for the lack of narrative coherence.

Despite its ambition, *Maternity Blues* struggles to connect with its audience on a meaningful level. Instead of evoking empathy or understanding, it often comes across as a bleak exercise in misery that offers little insight into its characters or their journeys.

Rating: 3/10 - A misfire that fails to handle its challenging themes with the care and depth they deserve.