Movie Review: Trifole

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A wonderful film from Italy. 

This movie tells the story of a young woman, who feels she has failed at everything, staying with her grandfather, a truffle hunter whose way of life is being threatened by the changing world around him.

This is a truly lovely movie. Much of the film is very quiet and mediative. The Italian countryside is just as much a character here as the granddaughter and grandfather. With the opening scene of the granddaughter silently walking to her grandfather's house, we are immediately whisked away to this beautiful area. Though the setting is devoid of other people, it never feels empty or lonely. Instead, it feels calm, peaceful and free. It so different from the busy modern world around us that it feels like an escape and retreat. Instead of feeling sorry for a man living by himself, we almost envy him. Here is where the emotional core of the story lies. The old man has found the way of life that gives him comfort and peace but is on the verge of losing it, while the young woman feels she may never find it. This contrast may be simple and straightforward, but it hits us emotional regardless of where we are in life because it gives us an automatic rapport with these characters. The characters themselves are wonderful. They are likable and the emotional connection that grows between them is absolutely lovely. This is due both to the writing and the fantastic chemistry between Ydalie Turk (who also co-wrote the script with the film's director Gabriele Fabbro. 

This movie unfortunately has a bit of messiness in its third act, where it briefly loses sight of what the heart of the story is. However, the film comes back strong with an emotionally powerful ending. Usually such a fault would have me give this a lower grade, but the rest of the movie was so perfect that I can easily overlook and forgive this.   

A wonderful movie.