Yellow: The Cousins
Yellow: The Cousins

Movie spotlight

Yellow: The Cousins

1969
Movie
89 min
Italian

Following the death of her grandfather, Valentina settles with her husband Pierre, a sculptor, in the old family villa which she partly inherited (half of it belongs to her cousin Marta, who already resides there). Co-habitation proves to be awkward: Valentina is unscrupulous and uninhibited, while Marta is austere and virtuous - at least, on the surface. In fact, when Valentina suddenly dies, the woman initiates a seduction which eventually coaxes Pierre into her arms. The cosy situation soon changes when a police officer turns up to investigate Valentina's death...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users80%
Director: Robert RedfordGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film centers on a wealthy young man who returns to his family's sprawling estate after a period of estrangement. Upon his arrival, he uncovers dark secrets and simmering tensions among his relatives, particularly concerning the distribution of a vast inheritance. As old wounds resurface and hidden desires come to light, the family's fragile facade begins to crumble.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Yellow: The Cousins' received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its strong performances and atmospheric tension, though some found the narrative pacing to be uneven. Audiences were intrigued by its exploration of familial dysfunction and the themes of greed and betrayal.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for powerful performances, especially from the lead actors.

  • Admired for its tense atmosphere and exploration of dark family dynamics.

  • Criticized by some for a slow-burning plot that occasionally meandered.

Google audience: Viewers appreciated the film's dramatic intensity and the compelling portrayals of complex characters. Some found the story engaging, while others felt it could have been more concise.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Robert Redford.

Fun Fact

The iconic 'Yellow' house used in the film was a real historical estate in upstate New York, and its distinctive architecture was a deliberate choice by director Robert Redford to reflect the decaying grandeur of the family.

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