Argomenti trattati
In the cinematic landscape of Italy, the outskirts of Rome take center stage in Francesco Costabile’s latest film, which serves as the nation’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars. This film adeptly intertwines familial connections with the burdens of shared history, employing a visual storytelling approach that is both powerful and immersive.
Titled Familia, this project marks the director’s second feature film, blending elements of melodrama with hints of psychological thriller, horror, and social commentary. The narrative draws inspiration from the book Non sarà sempre così, chronicling the life of a young man named Luigi Celeste and the tumultuous dynamics of his family, particularly with the return of his estranged father, Franco.
The complexity of family dynamics
At the heart of the film lies the story of Luigi, a twenty-year-old navigating life alongside his mother, Licia, and his brother, Alessandro. Their bond, forged through shared grief and hardship, is tested when Franco, a toxic and domineering figure, re-emerges after a decade-long absence. This return compels the family to confront a past filled with fear and violence that has lingered as a shadow over their lives.
In search of his place in the world and a sense of belonging, Luigi finds himself drawn to the streets, eventually becoming involved with an extreme right-wing group. This environment, rife with anger and resentment, offers a misguided sense of purpose. However, the unexpected reappearance of Franco, intent on reclaiming his family, complicates matters further.
The destructive nature of Franco
Franco embodies a character whose love is fraught with destruction. His presence threatens to unravel the fragile stability that Luigi, Licia, and Alessandro have fought to establish. The film poignantly illustrates the cycle of harm that can arise from familial relationships, portraying a descent into darkness as the characters strive for redemption and healing.
The significance of setting in the narrative
What sets Familia apart is the meticulous attention to the film’s locations, which serve not merely as backdrops but as integral components of the storytelling. Entirely filmed in Rome and its lesser-explored suburbs, the film delves into neighborhoods often overlooked by mainstream cinema, lending authenticity to its narrative.
Among the prominent filming locations is Tufello, situated in the northeast of the city. This area, particularly around Via Monte Massico and Via Capraia, provides a rich context for the Celeste family’s early home life. While their residence remains unseen, the atmosphere of the neighborhood effectively enhances the film’s emotional tone.
Symbolic spaces of transition
Moving beyond residential areas, the film also captures significant transit spaces, such as the Anagnina station, a hub for buses and the metro. This location serves as a pivotal point within the plot, marking key encounters, including the tense reunion between Luigi and Franco. Additionally, sites like Parco Lido in Ostia and the IC Rosetta Rossi school evoke nostalgia, representing fragments of the characters’ childhoods and lost connections.
The Velletri correctional facility emerges as a powerful symbol within the narrative, representing not just physical confinement but the psychological imprisonment faced by the characters. Likewise, the Kilmoon Pub becomes a crucial setting where Luigi is drawn into the neofascist group’s orbit, highlighting his struggle against violence and suppressed rage.
Confrontations and resolutions
Throughout the film, various locations intensify the unfolding drama. The area under the Giubileo viaduct, near La Celsa station, is the site of a critical showdown, while Via Collatina Vecchia serves as the backdrop for a tense confrontation between Franco and Licia regarding their son’s future.
Titled Familia, this project marks the director’s second feature film, blending elements of melodrama with hints of psychological thriller, horror, and social commentary. The narrative draws inspiration from the book Non sarà sempre così, chronicling the life of a young man named Luigi Celeste and the tumultuous dynamics of his family, particularly with the return of his estranged father, Franco.0