This is the second of the two films I saw at the Italian Film Festival. The plot concerns a young man returning home to announce to his family that he is gay. But before he can his brother comes out instead. So when his father has a heart attack the young man decides to wait for his coming out for fear he will kill his father.
The coming out story is one which always provides great drama for film makers. The conflict that no doubt arises from the announcement is usually enough to keep most plots ticking. This film takes an unusual step and has two brothers who are gay. These days films and TV shows are usually pretty accepting of gay people and don't normally show people who are homophobic. Which is why this film is so refreshingly different. When his brother comes out and is exiled from his family, Tommaso must then hang around and not only listen to the people he loves make horrible comments about his brother and gay people in general, but do it while taking over the running of his families company. There is also the fact that Tommaso must work closely with a young woman who he becomes friendly with. This adds an interesting twist in tension as you think maybe he might be straight or at least bisexual. The film is a comedy/drama so the family are made out to be the crazy ones. I think on account of the fact that we are made to laugh at the silliness of homophobia.
Riccardo Scamarcio makes a great lead as he becomes conflicted about his life and sexuality. He is also good at his relationship with Alba Brunetti played wonderfully by Nicole Grimaudo. The two of them know their relationship may not be possible but still have trouble hiding their feelings.
The concept of two gay men being in the same family is not one you hear about or see happening so it is refreshing to see it portrayed so wonderfully on screen.
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