Donovan
Donovan

Movie spotlight

Donovan

2017
Movie
100 min
English

A recently divorced man tries to be a good father to his young son while being consumed by a mysterious new woman and his own bipolar disorder.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users85%
Director: Jonas CarpignanoGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a Roma community in Italy, a young Romani man named Ilo struggles to balance his traditional upbringing with the desire for a different future. He grapples with the challenges of poverty, discrimination, and familial expectations as he navigates the complexities of his identity and place in the world. The film offers a raw and intimate look at the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities.

Critical Reception

Donovan received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Roma life and its powerful, character-driven narrative. Reviewers praised Jonas Carpignano's sensitive direction and the naturalistic performances of the non-professional actors, highlighting its empathetic and unflinching look at social issues. It was noted for its quiet intensity and moving depiction of a young man's search for belonging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic and empathetic portrayal of Roma life.

  • Commended for naturalistic performances and sensitive direction.

  • Appreciated for its powerful and unflinching look at marginalized communities.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's authenticity and its ability to shed light on a rarely seen community. Viewers found the story compelling and the characters relatable, appreciating the raw and emotional journey depicted.

Awards & Accolades

Screened at the Venice Film Festival in the Orizzonti section.

Fun Fact

The film features a cast comprised almost entirely of non-professional actors from the Roma community depicted in the movie, lending a powerful sense of authenticity to the storytelling.

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