Set during the final year of World War II, the film tells the story of a large family living in isolation in the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige. The arrival of a refugee soldier disrupts the fragile family dynamic, bringing tensions and secrets to light. The film is an intimate and poetic drama that tackles universal themes such as resilience, loss, and the sense of belonging. The breathtaking mountain landscapes do not merely serve as a backdrop but become a true protagonist, reflecting the contrasting emotions of the characters.
Maura Delpero: an emerging voice in Italian cinema
Maura Delpero, born in Bolzano in 1975, trained between Italy and Argentina. After studying literature at the University of Bologna, she honed her cinematic skills at the SICA Professional Training Center in Buenos Aires. This international background is reflected in her works, characterized by an intimate style and a focus on the human dimension of her characters.
Before Vermiglio, Delpero received widespread acclaim for her film Maternal (2019), which explored life in a group home for teenage mothers in Buenos Aires. That work earned her international awards, including a special mention at the 72nd Locarno Festival. With Vermiglio, Delpero confirms her ability to tell stories deeply rooted in local contexts while maintaining universal appeal, winning over audiences and critics alike with the delicacy and depth of her vision.
The cast of Vermiglio
The film boasts an outstanding cast, led by talented Italian actors:
- Elena Lietti, already renowned for her work in successful series and films, plays the mother of the family—a complex, poignant character striving to maintain balance amidst growing tensions.
- Fabrizio Rongione, an Italian-Belgian actor with extensive experience in European auteur cinema, embodies the mysterious refugee soldier. His intense and multifaceted performance has been particularly praised by critics.
- Giulia Andò, a rising star of Italian cinema, portrays the eldest daughter, whose relationship with the soldier is central to the film’s narrative arc.
Shot entirely in Trentino-Alto Adige, the film features stunning cinematography that captures the rugged and harsh beauty of the mountains. Cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, known for his collaborations with directors such as Paolo Sorrentino, masterfully enhances the contrasts between natural light and the ambiguity of the characters. The score, composed by Icelandic musician Jóhann Jóhannsson (one of his final projects before his untimely passing), adds emotional depth, alternating moments of calm with dramatic tension.
A triumph at the Capri, Hollywood Festival and beyond
Winning Best International Film at the Capri, Hollywood – International Film Festival is another milestone in Vermiglio’s journey of success. This prestigious award highlights the talent of the director and her team. With its inclusion on the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature Film and a Golden Globe nomination, the film aims to leave a lasting mark on the international cinema scene.