‘Vermiglio’, directed by Maura Delpero, is a captivating drama that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the majestic Alps. Set in the ice-bound mountains of Trentino, the film tells the story of Lucia, the eldest of three daughters governed by their widowed shepherd father with an iron grip.
When Lucia learns that her long-missing husband may have survived the war and is living in Sicily, she defies her father’s authority and sets off across Italy to find him. Her quest leads her not to a joyous reunion but to a tombstone bearing his name, revealing a devastating betrayal—he had married another woman during the war. Faced with village gossip and labeled a “shamed bride,” Lucia must navigate the fractures of her spirit in a world that seems intent on breaking her.
The film masterfully transforms the Alps into a profound metaphorical canvas. The mountains’ majestic seasonal transitions symbolize the relentless passage of time and the cyclical nature of fate. The piercing cold and isolation of the snowscapes intensify Lucia’s inner solitude, creating a powerful backdrop for her personal journey.
By replacing conventional emotive scores with authentic alpine soundscapes—rustling snowfalls, howling winds, and crystalline dripping water—’Vermiglio’ immerses audiences in the rugged beauty and harsh realities of mountainous life. Through painterly and poetic visuals, the film crafts a female-centric epic that blooms resiliently amid the turbulence of a post-war era.
‘Vermiglio’ has garnered critical acclaim for its incisive exposure of gender oppression and its meticulous portrayal of individual survival amidst the reverberations of war. The film’s profound storytelling has cemented its status as a masterpiece in European cinema for 2024. Notably, it was selected for the Main Competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize.
For viewers seeking a film that combines breathtaking scenery with a powerful narrative of resilience and self-discovery, ‘Vermiglio’ offers an unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit set against one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
