Review of “Nero” film by Giovanni Esposito in national preview at Maximall Pompei

On May 1, 2025, Nero , Giovanni Esposito's surprising directorial debut, was screened at the Nexus Cinema at Maximall Pompeii. It proved to be an intense and surprising work. Premiering at the 42nd Turin Film Festival , the film received acclaim for its ability to blend social realism and elements of magical realism.

The plot follows Nero, a middle-aged small-time delinquent who makes a living from petty crime to support his mentally ill sister Imma (played by Susy Del Giudice ). During a robbery, Nero accidentally kills a gas station attendant, but discovers he has an extraordinary gift: he can heal people, saving them from death. However, each healing involves the loss of one of his five senses, leading him to question the meaning of sacrifice and altruism.

Giovanni Esposito , known for his comedic roles, demonstrates remarkable artistic maturity both as a director and as an actor, offering a touching performance as the title character. Alongside him, Susy Del Giudice, his real-life wife, masterfully plays Imma, Nero's sister. Her role, devoid of dialogue and rich in physical expression, was prepared with dedication, including research and observation in specialized centers.

During the preview, the actor-director explained how this film, co-written with Francesco Prisco, came about and how important choosing the right actors was. The social themes addressed are by no means secondary; rather, they speak to the reality of the film's setting, where immigrants have been living for years. The film is set between Mondragone, Castel Volturno, Lago Patria, and Pollena Trocchia.

Daniele Ciprì's photography helps create an atmosphere that oscillates between the real and the surreal, emphasizing the emotions of the characters and the nuances of the story. The film deals with profound themes such as the sense of sacrifice, altruism and redemption, offering a reflection on humanity and moral choices.

In the film Nero , Susy Del Giudice offers a remarkably intense and realistic performance as Imma, the autistic sister of the protagonist Paride, known as Nero. Her performance, devoid of conventional dialogue, is expressed through profound gazes, measured gestures, and palpable sensitivity, successfully conveying the character's emotional complexity. To prepare for the role, the actress collaborated with Dr. Alessandra Borghese, an expert in the field of autism, and spent time in specialized centers to better understand the dynamics of this condition.

The actress, to our microphones, told how difficult and intense it was to get into the character of Imma, also because she had never met an autistic person. To do her best she studied a lot: in that period she avoided even coming into contact with her own family members so as not to lose the work done to get into the character. The result is a true interpretation.

The film stands out for its ability to address delicate social issues, such as hardship and integration, representing the African community in the province of Caserta in a subtle but significant way. Through the story of Paride and Imma, the deep family bond that overcomes every difficulty is explored.

The narrative avoids stereotypes and sentimentality, offering an authentic representation of autism and the daily challenges it entails. A prime example is the scene in which Paride, overwhelmed by frustration, slaps his sister, highlighting the complexity and real tensions that can emerge in such relationships.

Nero is a film that leaves the viewer with many questions and a desire to know the rest of the story. The title itself captures the essence of the film, symbolizing Paris's inner journey, his final sacrifice, and the personal struggle each of us faces when faced with life's difficulties. A work that, through magical realism, invites reflection on the meaning of sacrifice and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, Anbeta Toromani 's performance as Alba, a former flame of Paride, adds a profound and touching dimension to the narrative. Known primarily for her brilliant career as a professional dancer, Anbeta brings an intense and refined stage presence to the screen, enriching Alba's character with a palpable emotional delicacy.

Alba represents Paride's unresolved past, a bond that is never completely closed and that resurfaces throughout the story. Through her character, the film explores the scars left by traumatic experiences such as immigration and the difficulty of integration in the province of Caserta. In a particularly significant scene, Alba shares with Paride the painful memory of her past, symbolized by a scar on her body, an emblem of the suffering she has experienced and a warning of what she no longer wants to relive.

Anbeta's performance is characterized by a measured and intense acting, which communicates deeply through looks and gestures, without the need for excessive words. Her experience in the world of dance is reflected in the ability to express complex emotions with subtle and controlled movements, giving the character a silent but powerful strength.

Alba's presence in the film not only enriches the main plot, but also offers an authentic glimpse into the struggles of those who have experienced marginalization and are trying to rebuild their lives. Through her character, Nero explores themes of grief, resilience, and hope, making the story even more profound and engaging.

The film Nero is a work that strikes for its originality and emotional depth, confirming Giovanni Esposito as a multifaceted talent in the Italian cinematic scene.