Parthenope (2024)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
A woman navigates a complex life of love and academic pursuit in the vibrant landscape of Naples.
The story
Set against the backdrop of Naples, Italy, the film follows the life of a woman named Parthenope. The narrative spans several decades, beginning with her birth in 1950 to an affluent family. As she grows, she navigates various relationships and academic pursuits, including an intense study of anthropology under a demanding professor. The story explores her evolving identity and her deep connection to her city, as she encounters diverse characters and experiences the cultural nuances of Naples, from its traditional rituals to its modern atmosphere, while searching for love and meaning in her journey.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1950, Parthenope is born into the affluent Di Sangro family in Naples. By 1968, she is a student of anthropology under the stern Professor Marotta, while being pursued by Sandrino and her brother Raimondo. In 1973, a trip to Capri leads to a tragic end for Raimondo, who jumps from a cliff. In 1974, following her father's withdrawal and her mother's blame, she briefly attempts to become an actress and becomes pregnant by a mafioso, eventually seeking an illegal abortion. By 1982, she is a scholar investigating the miracle of San Gennaro, during which she enters into a complicated relationship with Cardinal Tesorone. In 2023, as she retires from academia, she reflects on her life and her enduring bond with Naples, ultimately finding a moment of peace as she watches a celebration of the local football team.
- First release year
- 2024
- Runtime (minutes)
- 136
- Production countries
- Italy; France
- Original languages
- Italian; Neapolitan
- Directors
- Paolo Sorrentino
- Writers
- Paolo Sorrentino · writer
- Cast and characters
- Celeste Dalla Porta · Parthenope; Stefania Sandrelli; Gary Oldman; Silvio Orlando; Luisa Ranieri; Peppe Lanzetta; Isabella Ferrari
- Genres
- drama; coming-of-age
- Themes
- identity; love; spirituality; art
- Tone and mood
- opulent
- Premise and plot tags
- coming-of-age; period piece
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising its opulent style while criticizing its narrative clarity and character depth.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 52 · scale: 100 · review count: 26
- Production trivia
- The film received a nine-and-a-half minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.; The character Parthenope is named after the mythical figure who gave her name to the city of Naples.; The film was the first acquisition for the distribution company PiperFilm.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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