Directed by Alice Rohrwacher (The Wonders, Happy as Lazzaro)
Starring: Josh O’Connor (Challengers), Isabella Rosselini (She’s basically royalty, I mean come on), and Alba Rorhwacher
"La Chimera" offers a captivating perspective of a man out of place, a Brit exploring Italy in search of his lost love, Benamina. Through this journey, Alice Rohrwacher delivers a film that feels unapologetically contemporary, yet timeless. On a second viewing, it strikes me as one of the best films of this decade so far, with its rich narrative and emotional depth.
Rohrwacher herself is a fascinating director. Her previous works, such as "The Wonders" and "Corpo Celeste," are all worth your time, showcasing her unique storytelling style and artistic vision. In "La Chimera," Rohrwacher’s direction creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, blending the lush Italian landscapes with the melancholic undertones of Arthur’s life, played by Josh O’Connor. The cinematography captures both the grandeur of the Italian countryside and the hollowed-out people left there by capitalism's relentless march.
Rohrwacher’s innovative use of aspect ratios and varied shooting techniques adds layers of disorientation, enhancing the film's emotional impact. The film's subplots and scenes evoke milestones in Italian cinema, paying homage to its rich history while forging a new path. Even if the plot doesn’t entirely resonate with you, Rohrwacher’s ability to push the boundaries of filmmaking is a sight to behold.
"La Chimera" stands out as different from her earlier films, yet it retains the magical quality that permeates all her work, even when the stories themselves aren't inherently magical. The title "La Chimera," meaning “an illusion or fabrication of the mind,” hints at this sense of enchantment. Josh O’Connor’s character, Arthur, gets lost in his chimeras, and the audience is compelled to join him on this journey.
Speaking of Josh O’Connor, he has quickly become an actor to watch. In this film, he portrays a lost British man in Italy with such depth that you constantly question why he is there. His performance vividly conveys the pain he carries, and the stench of his poverty seems to radiate from him. At last year’s Cannes Film Festival, the film drew some comparisons to Indiana Jones, as it features an archaeologist searching for ruins while on the run. I appreciate this comparison, as it highlights O’Connor’s portrayal of a rugged adventurer. He wears the part well.
Another special part of the film is Alice Rohrwacher’s continuing collaboration with her sister Alba, who is beginning to stand out as the must see attraction in the Italian cinema right now. If you missed their collaboration “La Pupille” on Disney +, I highly recommend. Disney will try and get you to watch it in English. Don’t be lazy, watch it Italian. Alba’s role in the film is brief but phenomenal as its her scene which ties the film together.
Without giving away any spoilers, Arthur describes a statue as “Not Meant for Human Eyes,” a statement that is deeply intertwined with the plot. This concept is fascinating as it invites us to contemplate what is beyond our comprehension and, more importantly, what belongs to the dead. The film doesn’t explicitly debate the roles of Arthur and his motley crew of grave robbers; instead, it leaves us with the idea that the world around us is imbued with something special. Some of this specialness, however, is shared with those who came before us, implying that certain things are meant to remain with them. It’s a film that respects the mysteries of the past while inviting us to question our place in the continuum of history. It’s also a film about your connection with the one you love, but as far as that goes, you’ll just have to watch the film to find out.
Available now on PVOD services. Coming soon to Hulu.
“What belongs to the dead” very interesting…. 🧐