Movie Review: ‘Vermiglio (From Italy)’

by | Feb 20, 2025 | Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. It’s 1944 in the mountainous northern Italy commune of Vermiglio. WWII has been raging for years, and even the families in this remote village have felt the effects. Writer-director Maura Delpero has delivered a beautiful and touching film that follows the four seasons. There is little wonder this was Italy’s Oscar submission for Best International Film. Although it missed on a nomination, it’s still one of the best films from 2024.

Much of this story focuses on the local schoolmaster’s large family. And by large family, I mean the mother delivers her tenth child during the story. It’s a close-knit community – the kind where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Secrets are difficult to keep, yet they play a vital role in the proceedings. First of all, Pietro is a Sicilian who has gone AWOL during the war. He’s hiding out in the barn, yet all the locals are aware. Then we have second oldest daughter Ada, whose developing desires take her “behind the wardrobe”, necessitating her cutting deals with God for self-inflicted punishments, becoming more severe with each episode. And lastly, we have the film’s biggest secret – a whopper that shocks the family.

This is a beautiful film shot in a beautiful part of a beautiful country. The seasonal changes provide built-in colors and textures delivering a contrast to the mostly serene characters. Lucia, the eldest daughter, is attracted to Pietro. A stolen kiss and a hand-drawn heart lead to much drama, and ultimately, tragedy. A couple of the other kids have significant roles, but Lucia’s journey is the main focus. There is a quietly stunning moment when Pietro asks Lucia’s father for her hand in marriage.

The slow and steady and sometimes disturbingly quiet pace of the story will likely not appeal to some viewers, but the subtlety displayed is enchanting and mesmerizing. There are moments of heartbreak, and we realize that this family and these local people are tough … they’ve learned how to survive and continue on, despite challenges. The concern about one being “ruined” makes for interesting conversation, and offers quite an example of how times have changed. This is a terrific drama that hopefully many will give a chance.

Opens in theaters on February 21, 2025

David Ferguson
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