Vermiglio

Vermiglio (2024), directed by Maura Delpero, presents a quiet and reflective look at life in a remote mountain village in the Italian Alps during the final days of World War II. The story follows the arrival of Pietro, a deserter, into the family of the local teacher. As he becomes entangled in their lives, particularly falling in love with the teacher's eldest daughter, the village's delicate balance is disrupted, leading to a series of emotional upheavals.

The film's strength lies in its meticulous attention to historical detail and its authentic depiction of the time period. Delpero's anthropological approach to storytelling highlights the customs, traditions, and harsh realities of life in rural Italy during the war, with the seasons unfolding as a metaphor for the passing of time and the trials faced by the villagers. The cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the Trentino Alps, enhances the atmosphere, grounding the story in the physical and emotional isolation of the characters.

The performances are solid, with Tommaso Ragno and Roberta Rovelli providing strong portrayals of characters who, while deeply affected by the events around them, must endure their personal dramas in silence, shaped by the social and cultural constraints of the era. The theme of resignation permeates the narrative, as characters quietly endure their fates - from the young, pregnant widow to the daughter who feels "forced" into religious life. This pervasive sense of acceptance, however, diminishes the emotional connection one might feel with the characters. The lack of agency among the individuals, who silently bear their burdens without protest, creates an emotional distance that, at times, undercuts the film's impact.

While Vermiglio succeeds in painting a vivid picture of life in the post-war years, its slower pace and emotionally restrained characters may leave some viewers feeling disconnected. The weight of historical accuracy and social constraints, while authentic, can sometimes stifle the emotional depth that might have made the story more compelling.

Rating: 7/10. A reflective and historically rich film that captures the struggles of post-war life but is ultimately hindered by its emotional detachment.

"Vermiglio" portrays a year in the life of the Graziadei family in a small mountain village at the end of World War II. The film is shot in a strikingly realistic style, devoid of dramatization, embellishments, or background music. What makes it even more compelling is that the stories depicted are, in fact, drawn from the family memories of the director, Maura Delpero. We are transported into our past, which unfolds before our eyes with raw authenticity, beautifully captured through the film's stunning cinematography. Every frame feels like a timeless painting, rich in atmosphere and detail.

During the COVID period, I conducted some research on my family and came across stories that closely resemble those depicted in the film. It prompts deep reflection on the essence of our lives.

If we strip away the illusion of well-being we have built over the past hundred years-erasing the distractions and illusions we've created, dismantling the image we carefully craft on social media-we are left with the fundamental aspects of life: births, deaths, opportunities, regrets, and the few real choices we make in our fragile existence on this earth.

However, it must be noted that Vermiglio is not an easy film for everyone. Its necessarily slow pace and the near absence of dialogue demand patience and a willingness to fully immerse oneself in its quiet, contemplative storytelling.

"Vermiglio" powerfully reminds us of where we come from and, once we remove the layers of artifice, reveals who we truly are and where we are headed.

As a fan of historical films, Vermiglio really stood out to me with its immersive take on the past. The movie does a remarkable job of transporting you to a different time, blending historical accuracy with an intriguing mystery. The setting and costumes feel authentic, adding a layer of depth that makes the world come alive in a way that's both captivating and thought-provoking.

The plot unfolds at a steady pace, revealing its secrets bit by bit, and while it may be a bit slow at times, the performances keep you invested. The lead actor does an excellent job portraying a character caught between the weight of history and personal turmoil, and I found myself connecting with them on a deeper level.

The film offers a unique lens on history, not just as a backdrop but as a force that shapes the characters' actions and decisions. It's this combination of historical context and personal drama that makes Vermiglio an engaging watch for anyone who enjoys films that offer both a captivating story and a rich historical setting. Although it's not flawless, it's definitely a worthwhile experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

A visually captivating film and well acted. Beautiful scenery in the Dolomites make Vermiglio an appealing watch, which helps offset this bleak tale. A close knit family centric community where options for the younger generation are limited, and limited even further by the emotionally withdrawn patriarch.

It's a very personal story with some moments of levity but otherwise you need a strong stomach for tragedy. It's slow and lingering sorry telling approach lets the audience sit in the misery and the discomfort. But there is reward in watching and it's ultimately quite a beautiful film in its style and in particular it's cinematography.

The film is a visual feast. Cinematographically, it's very good. The art director did a great job. This made the director's job much easier. Both interior and exterior shots are very successful. But I can't say the same for the script and acting. The script contains very disjointed stories and this makes it difficult to concentrate. The acting was too heavy for a cinema film. In many places I felt like I was watching a theatre rather than a cinema film. Overall, I can say it was a good film. But you won't lose much if you don't watch it. But if you have plenty of time, it is a watchable film Good luck.