A taut, intelligent, and moving, thriller
Undercover police agent Vera has infiltrated a Serbian crime syndicate in Rome. Plans for a big upcoming heist where the syndicate will be taken down, are going well, until she learns that her younger brother Bruno is involved. Having just come out of jail, Vera wants him to get away from the gang, and from the criminal life. But he needs the money to help take his daughter away from her well-meaning, but neglectful and mentally ill mother.
Director Lyda Patitucci’s feature debut is a taut, intelligent, moving thriller. Screenplay by Filippo Gravino forms the foundation of pitch-perfect movie, featuring rounded characters, and a believable plot, where the high-stakes drama never tips over into uber-violent camp or tedious car-chases and shoot-’em-ups.
Isabella Ragonese gives a career-defining performance as Vera, ably supported by an outstanding ensemble including Andrea Arcangeli as Bruno, Milos Timotijevic as the Serbian gang boss, and extraordinary child-actor Carolina Michelangeli as Marta, Bruno’s daughter.
Like Sheep Among Wolves delivers on all fronts. First, a tightly crafted thriller narrative, but also an exploration of family, loyalty, and generational trauma. It never takes the easy way with cheap sentimentality, yet retains a satisfying sense of redemption. Masterful editing by Giuseppe Trepiccione keeps the action moving, without exhausting us.
With this offering, Patitucci has surely claimed herself a place in Italian cinema.
Like Sheep Among Wolves is currently showing as part of the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
Click here for screening details, and to book tickets.
