Watch Corpo Celeste

In 2011, filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher released the Italian drama film Corpo Celeste, which garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of a young girl's struggle to find her place in a small, religious community in Southern Italy. The film explores themes of identity, religion, and the search for meaning in a world that can be cryptic and challenging.

The protagonist of the film is Marta (Yle Vianello), a 13-year-old girl who returns to her hometown in Calabria after spending a decade in Switzerland with her mother. Marta's father has never been part of her life, and during her time abroad, she never truly felt like she belonged anywhere. Upon her return to Italy, Marta has to confront her past and deal with the realities of her new environment - a devout and conservative community that is preparing for confirmation.

As Marta navigates her way through this new environment, she begins to question everything she's been taught, including her faith. She finds herself at odds with both her mother's distant nature and the harsh, patriarchal rules of her community. Marta is torn between her desire to conform and her inner struggles with her identity, leaving her feeling alienated and alone.

Salvatore Cantalupo plays Don Mario, a priest who takes Marta under his wing and tries to help her come to terms with her doubts about her faith. Despite his good intentions, Marta remains lost and disconnected, struggling to reconcile her innate curiosity and need for truth with the rigidity of the church hierarchy.

Pasqualina Scuncia portrays Marta's mother, who is distant and preoccupied with running a small convenience store. She doesn't seem to understand or empathize with Marta's struggles, adding to her sense of isolation.

Set against the backdrop of Calabria's rugged landscape, Corpo Celeste is a powerful meditation on the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. Marta's story is heartbreaking and moving, as she grapples with the expectations of her community and the realities of her own inner life. Rohrwacher's direction and Vianello's performance are both superb, capturing the nuances of Marta's emotional journey with incredible sensitivity and depth.

The film touches upon several important themes, including the role of religion in shaping our identities, the challenges of living in a patriarchal society, and the importance of finding our own way in life. It offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of those who are marginalized and forgotten in society's rush towards progress, and reminds us of the complexity and richness of human experience.

Overall, Corpo Celeste is a beautifully crafted and deeply affecting film that explores the complexities of faith, family, and identity with rare wisdom and sensitivity. With powerful performances and stunning cinematography, it's a must-see for anyone interested in the human experience and the nature of belief.