Vermiglio

Director:

Maura Delpero

Genre:

Drama

Country/Region of production:

Italy, France, Belgium

Synopsis:

In the ice-bound mountains of Trentino, a widowed shepherd governs his household and three daughters with an iron grip. When the eldest daughter, Lucia, learns that her long-missing husband may have survived the war and is living in Sicily, she defies her father's authority and embarks on a journey across Italy to find him. What awaits her, however, is not reunion but a tombstone bearing her husband's name – revealing that he had married another woman during the war. Reduced to a "shamed bride" in village gossip, Lucia finds her spirit on the verge of shattering.​​

Why we recommend it:

The Alps are a unique destination that has captivated the imaginations of countless travelers. From lush vineyard valleys to sacred glacial wonders, every step reveals new and breathtaking vistas. Like a "natural palace," these mountains offer a sanctuary for the soul – whether you seek thrilling adventures or tranquil serenity.

This distinctive charm has made the Alps a favorite filming location for many cinematographers. The award-winning movie "Vermiglio" masterfully transforms the Alps into a profound metaphorical canvas, where its majestic seasonal transitions symbolize the relentless passage of time and the cyclical nature of fate. The piercing cold and isolation of the snowscapes intensify the characters' inner solitude. By replacing conventional emotive scores with authentic alpine soundscapes – rustling snowfalls, howling winds, and crystalline dripping water – the film creates an immersive mountainous atmosphere. Through painterly and poetic visuals, the film crafts a female-centric epic that blooms resiliently in the fractures of a turbulent era.

The film's incisive exposure of gender oppression and meticulous portrayal of individual survival amid wartime reverberations have cemented its status as an intellectually profound masterpiece among European auteur films in 2024. Notably, the film was selected for the Main Competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize.