Movie spotlight
A young woman in early-1900s Italy searches for a mystical sanctuary where her stillborn child can be brought back to life long enough to be baptized.
In 1960s rural Italy, a young woman named Agnese is devastated when her newborn daughter is born with a severe illness and is not expected to live long. Desperate, she embarks on a perilous journey to a remote island in the North Sea, rumored to be home to a sorceress who can supposedly resurrect stillborn babies or grant life to those on the brink. Agnese faces numerous hardships and moral dilemmas as she searches for this legendary figure, driven by an unyielding hope to save her child.
Small Body received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances, and poignant exploration of faith, grief, and motherhood. Some noted its slow pacing but ultimately found it to be a moving and visually striking film.
Praised for its beautiful and haunting cinematography.
Lidia Lipari's performance as Agnese is noted as a powerful anchor for the film.
Explores themes of desperation, hope, and the maternal bond with sensitivity.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's emotional depth and evocative atmosphere, with many highlighting the compelling narrative of a mother's extraordinary quest. The film's unique premise and sensitive handling of difficult themes resonated well with viewers.
Premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021, garnering significant attention. Nominated for several awards at Italian film festivals.
The film draws inspiration from historical accounts and folklore surrounding 'animelle,' or stillborn children, and the beliefs associated with their souls in certain Italian regions.
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At the start of the 20th century, the young "Agata" (Celeste Cescutti) has a difficult pregnancy that results in the birth of a child that doesn't survive long enough to be baptised. She'd distraught. Not just that she has lost her daughter...