

Masquerade
A drama in one act by the Croatian writer Miroslav Krleža, published in 1914. The plot takes place during one carnival night when three masked protagonists – a husband dressed as Don Quixote, his wife dressed as Colombina from commedia dell’arte and her lover Pierrot – observe their relations.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a wealthy Los Angeles community, a young boy named Billy spends his days creating elaborate fantasy worlds with his elaborate toy soldiers. He befriends a local girl, Olivia, and together they navigate the complexities of growing up and the expectations of their privileged surroundings. Their innocent adventures are set against a backdrop of family secrets and unspoken desires.
Critical Reception
Masquerade received a mixed to positive reception. Critics generally praised the performances of the young cast, particularly Rob Lowe and Meg Tilly, and the film's nostalgic portrayal of adolescence. However, some found the plot to be somewhat meandering and the overall tone occasionally inconsistent.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its charming performances and evocative depiction of youth.
- Some critics noted a lack of narrative focus.
- The film is often remembered for its touching portrayal of first love and friendship.
Google audience: Audience reception information for Masquerade (1981) is not readily available through standard Google review aggregations.
Fun Fact
Rob Lowe's performance as Billy was one of his earliest significant film roles, helping to establish him as a prominent young actor in Hollywood during the early 1980s.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources