Watch Le Pupille

Le Pupille is a poignant and beautifully crafted film that transports audiences to an all-girls Catholic boarding school during an unspecified historical period resembling wartime. Directed by Academy Award-winning director Alice Rohrwacher, the film features a seasoned cast led by Alba Rohrwacher, Greta Zuccheri Montanari, and Carmen Pommella. The narrative weaves a story of innocence, rebellion, and the human spirit through the eyes of young girls caught in the throes of a world much beyond their control.

The film's protagonist is a young girl with a rebellious spark and a clever mind. Greta Zuccheri Montanari embodies this character with a mixture of childlike wonder and a maturity that belies her age, drawing viewers into a world seen from her perspective. Her life within the convent's austere walls is marked by regimented schedules, strict supervision by the nuns, and an environment that emphasizes discipline over personal expression.

Alba Rohrwacher, who is known for her powerful performances, plays one of the nuns responsible for maintaining order within the establishment. Her character is complex, wrestling with the responsibilities of her religious vocation and the realities of the outside world that relentlessly seep into the lives of her charges. Carmen Pommella takes on the role of another nun who brings a different dynamic to the film, contributing to the tapestry of characters that make up the insular community of the school.

In the background of the girls' lives, the remnants of war linger, a reminder of the external forces shaping their experience. Though much of the narrative is focused on the microcosm of the boarding school, the influence of the outside world is an ever-present undercurrent that adds depth and gravity to the story.

Le Pupille shines in its attention to detail and the authenticity with which it captures the period setting. The production design, costuming, and cinematography all work in harmony to envelop the audience in the time and place where the story unfolds. Viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the textures of the old stone walls, the starched habits of the nuns, and the simple, yet evocative, surroundings that frame the daily lives of the girls.

The narrative is a tapestry of small acts of defiance, the pursuit of joy, and the complexities of growing up in a confined and controlled environment. Moments of levity and childhood glee break through the otherwise monotonous and disciplined life of the boarding school, offering glimmers of the innate human desire for freedom and self-expression.

The camaraderie among the girls is a central element of the film as it explores the bonds that form when individuals are thrown together by circumstance. Shared secrets, whispered dreams, and collective acts of mischief serve to build a sisterhood that stands as a counterpoint to the authority of the nuns. It is within these relationships that the film delves into themes of loyalty, friendship, and the search for individual identity amidst collective norms.

One of the most compelling aspects of Le Pupille is its exploration of faith and how it intersects with the innocence of its young characters. The film examines the way the girls interpret and interact with the religious teachings they receive, juxtaposing the pure, often literal, acceptance of doctrine with the questioning nature of youth. This dichotomy is played out in subtle interactions and quiet reflections that add a philosophical layer to the film.

Throughout the movie, viewers are treated to a sensory experience as the director skillfully uses sound and music to underscore the emotional landscape of the characters. The score, which is both haunting and evocative, amplifies the tensions and tenderness that run through the narrative.

Le Pupille does not shy away from the harsher realities of life, yet it maintains a careful balance that prevents it from delving into melancholy. Instead, the film is imbued with a sense of resilience and hope that resonates through its storytelling. The girls' laughter and shared moments of wonder serve as a testament to the human spirit's endurance, even when faced with adversity.

In conclusion, Le Pupille is a film that is both delicate and powerful. With a story that unfolds through nuanced performances and meticulous direction, it invites audiences to peer into a world where the struggles and joys of childhood collide with the imposing structure of religious and societal expectations. This narrative, rich with character and setting, ultimately offers a meditation on youth, freedom, and the complex journey towards self-discovery.

Le Pupille is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.