Director Salvatore Mereu’s latest film attempts to blend fairy tale conventions with realistic storytelling, but the combination proves problematic. The three-hour work centers on a fundamental tension: traditional fairy tales allow audiences to accept implausible situations without explanation, yet realistic narratives demand clear motivation. When these two modes collide, the film struggles to maintain believability, particularly regarding a central character relationship that feels underdeveloped.
Mereu, known for his unconventional approach to Italian cinema, has built his reputation on exploring Sardinians’ deep connection to their land and resistance against cultural assimilation. The film pits those who live harmoniously with nature against those who exploit it for personal gain, creating a clear moral divide. However, the director’s typically masterful handling of complex narratives becomes hampered when attempting to marry these thematic elements with a fairy tale framework.
The story follows Piero, a man devoted to rescuing animals and teaching his son to respect nature, and his family’s struggle against hostile neighbors who view their lifestyle as dangerous. A mysterious princess-like character and her entanglement with a cruel suitor represent the film’s fantastical elements. While Mereu’s cinematography and reverence for natural beauty remain undeniable strengths, audiences may find themselves questioning character motivations rather than accepting the narrative’s premise at face value.
Originally reported by Variety →
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