"Holiday" is a 2023 Italian psychological thriller directed by Edoardo Gabbriellini. The film stars Margherita Corradi as Veronica, a 20-year-old woman recently acquitted after serving two years in prison for the alleged murders of her mother and her mother's lover. Returning to her family's hotel in a picturesque Italian seaside town, Veronica faces societal judgment and personal turmoil as she attempts to rebuild her life.
Director's Vision:
Gabbriellini crafts a narrative that delves into themes of guilt, societal perception, and the search for personal redemption. Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Italian Riviera, the film juxtaposes the serene environment with the protagonist's internal struggles, creating a tension that underscores the story's psychological depth.
Themes:
Guilt and Innocence: The film explores the ambiguity of guilt, both in the eyes of society and within the individual.
Societal Judgment: It examines how communities can ostracize individuals based on perceptions, regardless of legal verdicts.
Personal Redemption: The narrative follows Veronica's journey toward self-acceptance and rebuilding her life post-acquittal.
Key Success Factors:
Compelling Performances: Margherita Corradi delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young woman grappling with her past and societal condemnation.
Atmospheric Setting: The contrast between the idyllic seaside locale and the dark narrative enhances the film's psychological tension.
Thought-Provoking Narrative: The story challenges viewers to consider themes of justice, perception, and the complexity of human emotions.
Summary Short:
"Holiday" follows Veronica, a young woman acquitted of her mother's murder, as she returns to her family's seaside hotel and confronts societal judgment and personal demons.
Awards, and Nominations: 1 win & 1 nominations
Rome Film Fest 2024: Nominee Progressive Cinema
Kineo Awards 2024: Winner Kineo Award
Critical Reception:
The film has garnered mixed reviews. Cineuropa notes that while "Holiday" touches upon family and female-based themes, it "fails to hold our attention."
Collider praises Margherita Corradi's performance but criticizes the film's structure, stating that it "leaves the viewer feeling cold and completely disconnected."
Production Summary:
"Holiday" was produced by Cinemaundici, The Apartment Pictures, and Frenesy Film Company. The screenplay was co-written by Edoardo Gabbriellini and Carlo Salsa. The film's cinematography was handled by Amine Messadi, with editing by Walter Fasano.
Production Companies:
Cinemaundici
The Apartment Pictures
Frenesy Film Company
Distribution and Sales Summary:
International sales are managed by Memento International. The film was distributed in Italian cinemas by Europictures as a special event on October 23, 24, and 25, 2023.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28503022/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/449894/
About movie: https://www.cinemaundici.it/produzioni/holiday-2/
Link to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PTOTSKHS4W7ZV59OIR6ZKALOK/ref=dvm_src_ret_it_xx_s (Italy)
Why Recommend This Movie:
For viewers interested in psychological thrillers that explore complex human emotions and societal dynamics, "Holiday" offers a thought-provoking narrative set against the visually stunning backdrop of the Italian Riviera. Margherita Corradi's compelling performance adds depth to this tale of redemption and self-discovery.
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