Venice silver lion winner “Vermiglio” captivates Italian audiences
A surprising indie hit at the box office
Maura Delpero’s “Vermiglio” has taken the Italian cinema scene by storm, swiftly transforming into the latest indie sensation. After clinching the prestigious Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and becoming Italy’s candidate for the Oscars, “Vermiglio” has seen stellar returns at the local box office. Initially released on just 26 screens on September 19 by distributor Lucky Red, the film’s success has prompted an expansion to a wide release on 340 screens.
A drama rooted in Italy’s history
“Vermiglio” is an intimate period drama, largely spoken in Northern Italian dialect with Italian-language subtitles. Set at the end of World War II in an Alpine village, it explores the disruptive impact of a soldier’s arrival on the lives of three sisters. This poignant storyline captures the essence of rural existence during a tumultuous era, resonating deeply with Italian audiences.
Rising above the competition
In its third week, “Vermiglio” has risen to the second spot at the Italian box office, trailing only “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The film has already grossed €1.2 million ($1.3 million), making it the top Italian indie film of 2024. It’s anticipated to surpass the box office results of renowned directors such as Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All” and Alice Rohrwacher’s “La Chimera”.
A strategic release strategy
Lucky Red’s decision to start with a smaller release, even after the film’s Venice triumph, has proved effective. As the film was chosen as Italy’s Oscar contender, the gradual scaling up of its release has generated significant buzz and word-of-mouth. This strategy has been instrumental in building momentum and sustaining audience interest.
Insights from the director’s previous work
“Vermiglio” is a follow-up to Maura Delpero’s acclaimed film “Maternal,” which made waves on the festival circuit with its depiction of an Argentinian refuge for teenage mothers run by nuns. Delpero’s ability to craft intimate, heartfelt stories has found a new canvas in “Vermiglio,” showcasing her growth as a director.
Critical acclaim
Critics have praised “Vermiglio” for its meticulous attention to detail and evocative storytelling. The film is described as “quietly breathtaking,” with scenes unfolding from the tiny details of furnishings and fabrics to the broader vision of rural life in the high Italian Alps. This detailed and immersive approach has struck a chord with both critics and audiences alike.
Historical and contemporary relevance
One of the film’s producers mentioned that the film’s WWII setting resonates with Italy’s collective consciousness, reflecting the stories of many Italians’ grandparents and their own family histories. The film’s themes also echo contemporary experiences, drawing parallels to the current state of being surrounded by conflict.
A nod to female perspectives in cinema
“Vermiglio” has been compared to Italy’s successful feminist dramedy “There’s Still Tomorrow”, which portrays the struggles of an abused housewife in post-war Rome. Both films highlight a growing interest in stories from the past told from a female perspective, providing a rich narrative tapestry for audiences.
Festival circuit and distribution
“Vermiglio” has been widely sold internationally and will feature in several upcoming festivals, showcasing its global appeal. The film is a co-production involving various international partners, including Cinedora, RAI Cinema, Charades Production, and Versus Production, with additional participation from Anonymous Content.
The future of “Vermiglio”
As “Vermiglio” continues to captivate audiences and garner acclaim, its success marks a significant achievement for Italian indie cinema. Many are eager to see how the film will perform on the international stage, especially with its Oscars campaign underway.
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