Francesco Costabile's *Familia* delves into the lasting scars of domestic violence through the lens of a fractured family struggling to rebuild. Luigi (Francesco Di Leva), a 20-year-old seeking meaning, finds himself drawn to an extremist group, desperate for belonging. But when his abusive father unexpectedly returns after a decade of absence, the fragile equilibrium of their lives begins to crumble.
Barbara Ronchi delivers a gripping performance as Luigi's mother, portraying a woman torn between protecting her family and facing the ghosts of her past. Francesco Di Leva captures Luigi's inner conflict with intensity, while Tecla Insolia brings a quiet resilience to her role as Luigi's younger sibling. Costabile's direction is grounded, capturing both the suffocating intimacy of domestic life and the broader societal forces pulling at the characters.
The film's visuals, marked by stark lighting and close, claustrophobic framing, emphasize the weight of unspoken trauma. The pacing, however, falters in places, with the narrative occasionally leaning on melodrama rather than nuance. While *Familia* is poignant in its exploration of violence and its ripple effects, some elements feel overly familiar, and the resolution lacks the impact needed to fully resonate.
This is a film for viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas that tackle heavy themes with sincerity. Best watched in a contemplative setting, *Familia* offers a raw and unsettling look at the cyclical nature of abuse and the challenge of breaking free.
Rating: 6/10 - A heartfelt but uneven depiction of a family in crisis.
