Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest project, 'Parthenope', a romantic tale that spans a lifetime. The film tells the story of a woman born in the sea of Naples in 1950, whose journey through love, loss, and self-discovery mirrors the vibrant, chaotic, and unyielding spirit of her beloved city.
Sorrentino, known for his visually stunning and emotionally resounding films like 'The Great Beauty' and 'Youth', delves into the essence of memory, identity, and the passage of time. “The sacred is that which we’ll never forget of our own life story,” Sorrentino reflects. “This film is about all the things that a woman has not been able to forget in her seventy-three years of life.”
A Life Intertwined with Naples
An A24 upcoming release date-Friday February 7, 2025 (Limited), the film follows Parthenope, portrayed in her youth by Celeste Dalla Porta and in adulthood by Stefania Sandrelli, as she navigates the joys and sorrows of her existence. From the hot summers of Capri to the bustling streets of Naples, Parthenope’s life is a tapestry of fleeting encounters, passionate loves, and deep losses.
Naples, with its “marvels around every corner,” serves as both a backdrop and a character in the film. It is a city that never judges, a place where life feels both unpredictable and inevitable. As Sorrentino writes, “Naples is like Parthenope. Her freedom is a constant, something she will never renounce. Even if it means embracing solitude.”
The Obscurity of Life and Love
At the heart of 'Parthenope is a question that resonates with us all: “Do you love too much or too little?” This query, posed by a dark character disguised as a saint, lingers throughout the film, challenging both Parthenope and the audience to confront the ambiguity of their own lives. Sorrentino explores the tension between self-discovery and mystery, capturing the ways in which we strive to make sense of our existence while remaining enigmas to ourselves and others.
The film’s narrative unfolds like the “underside of a carpet,” as Sorrentino describes it—a metaphor borrowed from Italian writer Giorgio Manganelli. We can intuit the design of our lives, but it remains just out of reach, obscured by the vastness and unpredictability of experience. Parthenope’s journey is one of acceptance, as she learns to accept her past and imagine a future filled with wonder.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Sorrentino’s vision is brought to life by a stellar cast, including Gary Oldman as John Cheever, Celeste Dalla Porta as the young Parthenope, while Stefania Sandrelli delivers a poignant performance as the older Parthenope, grappling with the weight of her memories and the inevitability of change.
Produced by Lorenzo Mieli, Anthony Vaccarello, Paolo Sorrentino, and Ardavan Safaee, with executive producers Elena Recchia and Douglas Urbansky, 'Parthenope' shows Sorrentino’s unparalleled ability to blend the personal and the universal. The film’s lush cinematography, evocative score, and richly layered storytelling create an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
A Return to Naples
In the film’s final act, Parthenope returns to Naples after decades away, seeking to reconnect with the city that shaped her. Though the Bay of Naples has lost some of its youthful wonder, it remains a place of endless possibility, where the ability to be amazed keeps us alive until the end. 'Parthenope' is a celebration of life in all its complexity. With its ambitious themes, breathtaking visuals, and deeply human story, Sorrentino’s latest work is sure to leave audiences inspired, reflecting on their own sacred moments and the mysteries that define them.
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