The film “The Beautiful Summer” perfectly captures the essence of its title. It portrays the vibrant and sensuous atmosphere of balmy summer days and nights, and specifically, the carefree excitement that this warm season brings. The story revolves around a young country girl who ventures into the bustling city and becomes entangled in a bohemian circle. She is captivated by the impulsive painters she meets, only to discover that they are nothing more than scoundrels. However, it is a free-spirited and melancholic model who truly intrigues her. While the central romance in the film may not achieve its intended emotional impact, there are other aspects of the story that resonate deeply.
The film, “The Beautiful Summer,” draws inspiration from the 1940 novel of the same name by Cesare Pavese. As the third feature from writer-director Laura Luchetti (known for “Twin Flower”), the film occasionally falls into clichés and loses momentum. However, it also offers insightful observations about coming-of-age and showcases a delightful physicality. The shining star of the film is Yile Yara Vianello, who delivers an impressive screen debut in the lead role.
The film focuses on the character of Ginia, a young woman on the precipice of adulthood, who is new to the city of Turin. Her story is marked by a self-absorbed sense of discovery as she navigates her new surroundings. Set in 1938, Ginia is aware of the fascist regime and the bullying tactics of the Blackshirts. However, she chooses to focus on her own dreams and creative pursuits, rather than the political climate. This detached perspective sets her apart from the protagonist of the film “A Radiant Girl,” a Jewish Parisian who faces immediate danger due to her ethnicity. It is worth noting that Pavese himself faced persecution and arrest for his anti-fascist views.
The film begins with Ginia rushing to catch a tram to her job at an elegant fashion atelier. She is one of the seamstresses under the watchful eye of Ms. Gemma, portrayed excellently by Anna Bellato. When Gemma discovers a design that Ginia created in her free time using discarded fabric, she encourages her to complete it. This recognition of Ginia’s talent beyond her prescribed role is a significant moment for her. Later, while having a drink at a café after work, Luchetti captures the sheer joy on Ginia’s face, conveying the simple pleasure of feeling seen and acknowledged.
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Ginia shares an apartment with her brother, Severino, played by Nicolas Maupas, who gives a standout performance. Severino moved to the city to attend college but has become disillusioned and directionless. He talks nostalgically about returning to their hometown, where their mother still resides. Despite Ginia’s aspirations to move to a larger city, Severino feels out of place and wishes to return to their roots. He dismisses the idea of university, viewing it as a pursuit reserved for the wealthy.
While Ginia initially excels at her job, her focus takes a detour when she is drawn into a world of parties. She is lured by Amelia, a slightly older and unconventional woman portrayed by Deva Cassel, also making her film debut. Amelia is a bit of a cliché, representing daring and rebellion. She smokes, drinks, and flirts, not just with men but also with Ginia. Despite warnings from Severino and their friend Rosa, played by Cosima Centurioni, to stay away from Amelia and her painter friends, Ginia is intrigued by the artistic world. She expresses a desire to be seen and understood by others, leading her to explore posing as an artist’s model.
The film showcases Ginia’s body in a tasteful manner, emphasizing her appreciation of her own physicality. The camera captures her bathing and admiring herself in the mirror, highlighting her newfound confidence. Diego Romero Suarez Llanos’ cinematography beautifully portrays the subtleties in Vianello’s performance, capturing Ginia’s excitement and disappointment with each new experience. One notable sequence examines the often-overlooked aspect of sexual awakening for young women. Luchetti approaches this topic with a contemporary lens, showing the physical pain and emotional detachment that can accompany a clueless partner. Ginia’s disappointment in this encounter is partially due to her true attraction to Amelia.
While the relationship between Ginia and Amelia aims to be gripping, it falls short and ventures into melodrama. Cassel’s self-conscious portrayal makes sense for her character, who earns a living through posing. She effectively portrays Amelia’s sorrow beneath her glamorous exterior. However, the impact of the love story between Amelia and Ginia is limited due to the less naturalistic approach to Cassel’s performance. Nonetheless, their boldness and certainty resonate through a contemporary lens.
The relationship between Ginia and Severino is the true heart of the film. Maupas brings depth to the character of Severino, initially presenting as judgmental but ultimately revealing his hopes and aspirations. The tension and love between the siblings are powerfully expressed as Ginia breaks away from their shared roots. One wordless scene, in particular, showcases their bond, as Ginia returns home from a birthday dinner with her new friends to find Severino’s gifts on the kitchen table.
Francesco Cerasi’s sensitive score and the sumptuous period details enhance the film’s overall quality. The production design by Giancarlo Muselli includes well-chosen locations, such as a magnificent 1920s military building with art deco glasswork that serves as Gemma’s atelier. While not all the intended emotional chords resonate, Laura Luchetti has created a visually stunning and perceptive exploration of finding oneself and one’s place in the world.
In conclusion, “The Beautiful Summer” captures the enchanting essence of its title through its portrayal of balmy summer days and nights. While the central romance may not have the desired emotional impact, there are other aspects of the film that resonate deeply. Inspired by Cesare Pavese’s novel, Laura Luchetti’s direction offers sharp observations on coming-of-age, complemented by Yile Yara Vianello’s impressive screen debut. With its compelling exploration of self-discovery, the film leaves a lasting impression and underscores the importance of finding one’s path and people.
