Cinema Italiano 2024: La Chimera

Set in the Tuscan town of Riparbella in the 1980s, La Chimera is a delightful story of love, longing, and grave robbers.

Director Alice Rorhrwacher′s style finds its pinnacle of expression here. It is enchanting, possessing an oldschool Felliniesque, analogue charm with shot-on-film cinematography.

La Chimera tells the story of Arthur, an Englishman and
archaeologist who finds himself leading a gang of art thieves/grave robbers. Arthur has strayed from his path, and only meeting with Italia (Carol Duarte) and the potential for love may save him.

Both lead actors are memorable for their endearing characterisations; some will recognise Josh O’Connor
(Prince Charles in The Crown). His performance here is magnetic and moodily charismatic. A cameo by
Isabella Rosellini as an aristocratic matriarch in a crumbling Palazzo reminds us why she is a screen legend. The sheer fun, vitality, energy, and spirit of La Chimera is undeniably infectious.