‘Do you remember me?’
People go and see movies for different reasons. Based on what hits at the box office, it would seem the main reason people go to the cinema is to be entertained. Indeed, some would argue that’s the only reason to watch a movie. For me, I want to be entertained, sure, but mainly I want to feel something. I want authenticity. Whether that be from the director or the cast, I want to feel something real. For that reason, I enjoyed Italian Studies…
Alina Reynolds (Vanessa Kirby) finds herself on the streets of New York City with no memory of how she got there or who she is. Eventually, she befriends a group of friendly teenagers who kind of take her under their adolescent wing.
Italian Studies is a film that is fairly plotless beyond the central premise. The dialogue, such as it is, feels improvisational and semi-scripted. We’re never sure of how much of what we see on screen is actually real or whether it is only in Alina’s head. This will make for a frustrating experience for some, but it is worth watching for a subtle, multi-layered performance from Kirby. Already Oscar-nominated for her heartbreaking performance in Pieces of a Woman, it surely won’t be long before the Academy comes calling for Kirby again, and she carries this movie in its more esoteric and dare I say pretentious moments. It helps that her young inexperienced co-stars are compelling and likeable and the minimalist score is warm and appealing.
Writer-director Adam Leon has crafted a film that will always be divisive for some, but if you can get on board with the premise, Vanessa Kirby’s performance will do the rest. An artfully shot and unique curio.