A Corrida

A truly surprising directorial debut, in a good way. You don't expect a first film like this from Claudia Gerini. She didn't look for a subject that would mirror her previous successes as an actress, nor did she try to make a clever film that winks at the audience, as other actors and actresses who have gone on to direct have done. Claudia Gerini puts herself on the line in a difficult, risky film and passes the test. As an actress, she manages to make a difficult role seem easy, because not everyone can be credible while running on a treadmill and bringing out the most devastating emotions from themselves and others. The rest of the cast was also well directed. Stefano Pesce stands out, confirming himself as an actor who is in my opinion underrated; Maurizio Lombardi, who is a sure thing; Claudia Vismara who perfectly holds the most important role after that of the protagonist; and Fabio Morici, (also co-author of the film), who portrays a very credible and not at all predictable supervisor.

I found the theme of blocks very beautiful, those moments in life when you seem to be moving forward by inertia, but in reality you are stuck. Only by facing your demons can you unblock your life. A universal and profound theme that anyone can identify with, because anyone has found themselves blocked by something or someone. The metaphor of the treadmill is perfect for this concept. But when I started watching the film, I thought that the treadmill would remain in the background, as a metaphor. I was amazed when I gradually realized that the film was really all about the treadmill. The metaphor put into play that becomes a character, and stays with the protagonist for the whole time. It keeps you glued even just waiting to see Emma get off, to see her stop running, or rather run away. I love it when a film is so brave, when it chooses to take the most difficult path. Art is risk, and this film is not afraid. Even in the ending (which I won't spoil), he isn't afraid of being anything but accommodating, of leaving the viewer wondering "what would I have done in his place?"

As Emma runs incessantly on her treadmill, you enter a sort of hypnotic state, it feels like you are running with her and at the same time gradually entering her mind. I found it incredible how a film with a protagonist glued to the same place, glues you to the seat until the end. All the characters around the protagonist are well-defined and three-dimensional. You immediately bond with them and become a participant in their destinies. Peeking into their lives through the webcam was a very profound experience. The ending is cathartic and bitter at the same time. Watching this film was a truly special journey.

I was very surprised by this film, which is unlike any other film I have seen. Truly an original subject, which was developed with a gripping screenplay, where the dialogues move the film and the characters are linked by an invisible thread. In the sub-genre of films with a single actor in a single location, we are used to seeing thrillers with an impending threat of death: since the setting is still, they try to push on the most external suspense. This film, on the other hand, is an introspective drama. Truly a risky bet, which in my opinion was fully won.

The only comparison that comes to mind is Locke with Tom Hardy.