Italian
Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘Parthenope’: A cinematic love letter to Naples
A new chapter in Sorrentino’s filmography
The Italian distributor Piper Film, along with Fremantle and Pathé, has unveiled the international trailer for Paolo Sorrentino’s latest masterpiece, Parthenope. This highly anticipated film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
A tribute to Naples and youth
Described as “an exquisite treatise on cinematic beauty,” Parthenope is Sorrentino’s homage to his beloved Naples. The film delves into themes of missed youth and unfulfilled dreams, serving as a poignant follow-up to his autobiographical work, The Hand of God.
The enchanting Parthenope
The film’s protagonist, Parthenope, is a young woman from Naples, portrayed by the talented newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta. Her performance has been lauded as “beguiling,” capturing the essence of a woman whose beauty leaves people in awe. Through Parthenope’s journey, Sorrentino explores the deeper layers of identity and self-discovery, using the lens of beauty as a transformative tool.
A stellar cast
Parthenope boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Gary Oldman as American novelist John Cheever
- Luisa Ranieri, known for her role as Aunt Patrizia in The Hand of God
- Stefania Sandrelli, an icon of Italian cinema and muse of Bernardo Bertolucci
- Silvio Orlando, famed for his portrayal of Cardinal Voiello in The Young Pope
A strategic release
Piper Film has devised a unique release strategy for Parthenope in Italy. The film will have midnight premieres in select cinemas from September 19 to 25, generating buzz and qualifying it for Italy’s international Oscar selection. A full release in Italian cinemas is scheduled for October 24.
Global anticipation
Ahead of its Cannes debut, Parthenope was swiftly acquired by distributors worldwide, including A24 for North America. A24 plans to release the film later this year, while Pathé has set January 8, 2025, as the French release date.
Sorrentino’s vision
In a statement, Sorrentino reflected on the film’s themes of love and missed opportunities. He emphasized that it is the imperfections of life that make it fascinating and youth unforgettable. Against the backdrop of Naples, Parthenope is a celebration of fulfilled and unfulfilled loves, capturing the essence of the city that has always been Sorrentino’s muse.
A collaborative effort
Parthenope is a Fremantle film co-produced by its The Apartment label with France’s Pathé, in association with Sorrentino’s Numero 10 shingle, PiperFilm, and Saint Laurent from Anthony Vaccarello and Logical Content Ventures, with support from Canal+ and the participation of Cine+.
Final thoughts
Parthenope is not just a film; it is an artistic quest that delves into the transformative power of beauty and self-discovery. Sorrentino’s latest work promises to be a cinematic journey that resonates with audiences, offering a profound exploration of identity, love, and the timeless allure of Naples.
