Watch March's Child

March's Child is a 1958 Italian film directed by Luciano Emmer. The film follows the story of a young couple, Paolo (Gabriele Ferzetti) and Maria (Jacqueline Sassard), who are struggling to conceive a child. Paolo, a successful lawyer, is desperate to have a child to carry on his family name, but Maria's infertility is preventing them from doing so.

The film takes place in Rome in the late 1950s, and depicts the struggles facing married couples in a traditional society where having children is often seen as the most important aspect of a marriage. Despite their loving relationship, the pressure to have a child takes a toll on Paolo and Maria's marriage, leading to arguments and a growing sense of disappointment and despair.

In an effort to find a solution, Paolo and Maria turn to modern medicine and seek out a fertility specialist. However, the doctor's treatments prove to be unsuccessful, and the couple is left feeling even more hopeless than before. As Paolo becomes increasingly obsessed with having a child, Maria begins to withdraw from their relationship, feeling guilty and ashamed of her infertility.

The film also explores the theme of societal pressure and the expectations that are placed on women to have children. Through Maria, the audience sees the emotional toll that comes with being unable to conform to societal norms, and the pressure that is placed on women to fulfill a specific role in society. The film portrays Maria as a sympathetic character, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, and highlights the need for more understanding and support for women dealing with infertility.

Throughout the film, Emmer employs a naturalistic style, capturing the everyday lives and routines of the characters in a way that feels authentic and uncontrived. The film is marked by a sense of understated realism, with conversations and interactions that feel genuine and spontaneous. This effect is aided by the film's use of non-professional actors in some smaller roles, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film.

Jacqueline Sassard delivers a nuanced and moving performance as Maria, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and complexity that makes her relatable and sympathetic. Gabriele Ferzetti also shines as Paolo, capturing the character's growing sense of desperation and frustration as his dreams are repeatedly dashed.

Overall, March's Child is a poignant and emotionally resonant film that offers a sensitive portrayal of the complex emotional and societal issues surrounding infertility. Through its understated naturalism and strong performances, the film offers a moving meditation on the joys and struggles of marriage and parenthood, and the societal pressures that can often accompany them.

March's Child is a 1958 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.