Perduto

I'm in awe of what filmmakers achieve on a relatively low budget. With the skills, drive and a solid ensemble, anything seems possible. Perduto is a fine example. Set on the British homefront during wartime, this story focuses on ten year-old Nico (Jack O'Connor) and his complex circumstances.

An eccleptic semiotic fusion portrays a majority of the narrative with exterior scenic juxtapositions enhancing the youngster's vulnerability, disorientation and entrapment. The immersive experience is further cemented with breaking the fourth wall, whilst the hypnotic soft-focus tracking shots, enhance the spirituality of this piece.

Drawn into the world and mindset of the young protagonist, I wanted his journey to continue. Once he reached the shore, what happened next? Did Nico survive the war? Was he reunited with family? Did he reconcile with friends and neighbours? I couldn't stop wondering what became of this innocent child, alone in the world. I still think of him now.

I am well-accustomed to witnessing scenes of war, with all too familiar depictions on our daily news bulletins. However, Perduto brought a tear to my eye.

So moving was the plight of little Nico, you would have to have a heart of stone not to react in such a way. His fractured relationship with former friend Lily is uncomfortable. Her hostility so evident towards this British-born child, the son of an Italian, now considered the enemy as Britain proceeds in a war with Germany and former WW1 ally, Italy.

Lily, a child herself, is influenced by her peers to shun those of enemy nationality. Nico's only friend Freddie, recently returned from Wales, attempts to reassure him with the declaration; "You're still the same old Nico!" Wise words from a child. If only adults could follow suit.

Overall, this piece is wonderfully directed with a simplicity that captures the delicacy of young Nico's fragility. The musical score compliments the aerial landscapes encompassing Nico's emotional journey providing a sense of his vulnerability whilst emitting a timeless essence throughout.

There's something quite poignant when conveying the consequences of war from a child's perspective. Nico's isolation following the sudden internment of his Italian father, is so charmingly portrayed in the young actor's sincere portrayal. Just ten years old, this child is living an unimaginable agony, all of which is the reality of so many children during war.

Furthermore, the art direction beautifully illustrates young Nico's emotional disposition with ethereal forestry and seascape compositions during his solo expedition to deliver a potentially-final message to his absent brother and papa.

A truly heartening story which touched us deeply.