RATING★ 4.0
WORTH IT? NO
A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark).

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

A remote village in the mountains. A community affected by a mysterious illness. Sudden death among the inhabitants of the township.The fear of them all, Gorecki, chief of the sick people, strangely gets attached to Giacomo, an "healthy" boy, as he sees in the young boy a chance for redemption and salvation. Giacomo's kidnapping will then stir up the furious reaction of the inhabitants, who are determined to respond in inexorable and ultimate way to the vexations and mistreats they have been suffering from for a long while. However, sometimes the desire for revenge is so strong to survive even death and time.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery cinema, then A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2021 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of Fantasy films
Fans of Horror films
Fans of Mystery films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2021, A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A remote village in the mountains. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A remote village in the mountains. A community affected by a mysterious illness. Sudden death among the inhabitants of the township.The fear of them all, Gorecki, chief of the sick people, strangely gets attached to Giacomo, an "healthy" boy, as he sees in the young boy a chance for redemption and salvation. Giacomo's kidnapping will then stir up the furious reaction of the inhabitants, who are determined to respond in inexorable and ultimate way to the vexations and mistreats they have been suffering from for a long while. However, sometimes the desire for revenge is so strong to survive even death and time."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anna Bellato does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Carmine Cristallo Scalzi is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 122 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Carmine Cristallo Scalzi respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Anna Bellato or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A volte nel buio (Sometimes in the dark) is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

122MIN

At approximately 2.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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