On May 1, 2025, at the Cinema Nexus of Maximall Pompei, it was screened Black, the surprising directorial debut of Giovanni Esposito, which turned out to be an intense and surprising work. Previewed at the 42nd Torino Film Festival, the film has received acclaim for its ability to blend social realism and elements of magical realism.
The plot follows the story of Nero, a middle-aged petty criminal who makes a living from petty crimes to support his sister Imma (played by Susie Del Giudice), suffering from mental disorders. During a robbery, Nero accidentally kills a gas station attendant, but discovers he has an extraordinary gift: he can heal people by 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 comic roles, demonstrates a remarkable artistic maturity both as a director and as an actor, offering a touching interpretation of the protagonist. Alongside him, Susy Del Giudice, his wife in real life, masterfully plays Imma, Nero's sister. Her role, without dialogue and full of physical expressiveness, was prepared with dedication, including research and observation work in specialized centers.
During the preview the actor-director told how this film, written in collaboration with Francesco Prisco, was born and how important it was to choose the right actors. The social themes addressed are not secondary at all, indeed they tell the reality of the places where the film was set, where non-EU citizens have been living in those areas for years. The film is set between Mondragone, Castel Volturno, Lago Patria and also 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 movie Black, Susie Del Giudice offers an extraordinarily intense and realistic interpretation of the character of Imma, the autistic sister of the protagonist Paride, called Nero. Her acting, devoid of conventional dialogue, is expressed through deep glances, measured gestures and a palpable sensitivity, managing to convey the emotional complexity of the character. 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.
Black is a film that leaves the viewer with many questions and the desire to know the continuation of the story. The title itself contains the essence of the film, symbolizing the inner journey of Paris, his final sacrifice and the personal struggle that each of us faces in the face of life's difficulties. A work that, through magical realism, invites us to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and the importance of empathy and understanding.
Furthermore the interpretation of Anbeta Toromani in the role of Alba, a former flame of Paride, adds a deep and touching dimension to the narrative. Known primarily for her brilliant career as a professional dancer, Anbeta brings to the screen an intense and refined stage presence, which enriches the character of Alba 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 look at the difficulties of those who have experienced marginalization and are trying to rebuild their lives. Through her character, Black tackles themes of grief, resilience and hope, making the story even deeper and more engaging.
The film Black It is a work that strikes for its originality and emotional depth, confirming Giovanni Esposito as a multifaceted talent in the Italian cinematographic panorama.
Article published on May 2, 2025 - 10:53 pm
Video Chronicles
I saw the movie Nero and I have to say that the plot is very interesting but there are some things that I didn't like. Susy Del Giudice's acting was good but sometimes a bit too exaggerated, in my opinion. The photography was also beautiful but not always clear in showing the emotions of the characters. Also, the theme of altruism was addressed in a deep way but sometimes it was confusing. Overall, it's a movie to see for those who love Italian cinema.