Is Nostalgia Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Nostalgia is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Nostalgia Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2022, Nostalgia emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Felice returns to his native Rione Sanità in Naples to look after his dying mother, having lived abroad for the last forty years. Unlike standard genre fare, Nostalgia attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Nostalgia features a noteworthy lineup led by Pierfrancesco Favino . Supported by the likes of Francesco Di Leva and Tommaso Ragno , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Nostalgia (2022) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Nostalgia Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Nostalgia is a Drama, Crime film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Felice returns to his native Rione Sanità in Naples to look after his dying mother, having lived abroad for the last forty years. Here he discovers that his old friend Oreste has become a notorious crimeboss. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Nostalgia Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Nostalgia concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Nostalgia reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Nostalgia Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Nostalgia incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Nostalgia adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Nostalgia?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Nostalgia
- Pierfrancesco Favino – Felice Lasco
- Francesco Di Leva – Don Luigi Rega
- Tommaso Ragno – Oreste Spasiano
- Aurora Quattrocchi – Teresa Lasco
- Sofia Essaïdi – Alrette
Top Highlights
Pierfrancesco FavinoFelice Lasco
Francesco Di LevaDon Luigi Rega
Tommaso RagnoOreste Spasiano
Aurora QuattrocchiTeresa Lasco
Sofia EssaïdiAlrette
Nello MasciaRaffaele
Artem TkachukYoung Oreste
Salvatore StrianoGegé
Virginia ApicellaAdele
Daniela IoiaYoung Teresa
Where to Watch Nostalgia Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Nostalgia has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Crime), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Nostalgia stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2022 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nostalgia movie hit or flop?
Nostalgia has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Nostalgia worth watching?
Nostalgia is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Nostalgia online?
Nostalgia may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Nostalgia
Pierfrancesco Favino is "Felice", who returns to his native Naples to find his elderly mother "Teresa" (Aurora Quattrocchi) living in a basement apartment, rarely washing and taking much care of herself. He determines to hang around and help her get back on her feet whilst at the same time working with the local priest "Luigi" (Francesco Di Leva) to reunite with his childhood friend "Spasiano" (Tommaso Ragno) who has meantime become the elusive local criminal kingpin. It has been many a year since "Felice" could consider himself a local, and the city is largely new and unfamiliar to him, as is the angry and violent criminal fraternity that holds much of the place in it's grip. Can he meet and reconcile with his erstwhile friend? Is he even safe to do so? This is a great looking film capturing well the beauty and the turmoil of this ancient city whilst director Mario Martone offers us a chance to relive some of the memories this, now Muslim and married, visitor recalls as he retraces many of the steps of his childhood. There is very little joy in this film, it's a rather depressing affair that at times really does labour the despair facing many in this community. That's not to say it isn't worth watching, but after a while I felt drained and a bit confused before an ending that I couldn't quite get my head around. Anger? Spite? Pity, even? It's a long watch and I probably wouldn't ever watch it again - but I am glad that I did, once.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
