Watch Me and You

Me and You is a 2012 Italian drama film directed by acclaimed director Bernardo Bertolucci. The film stars Jacopo Olmo Antinori, Tea Falco, and Sonia Bergamasco. This movie is Bertolucci's first feature film in a decade and marks his return to filmmaking after his successful drama, The Dreamers. The story follows 14-year-old Lorenzo, a socially isolated and introverted boy who is constantly bullied by his classmates. When Lorenzo tells his mother that he's going on a skiing trip with his classmates, his true intention is to spend the week alone in the basement of his building, where he keeps his secret hideaway. However, his plan is disrupted when his half-sister, Olivia, shows up unexpectedly and asks to stay with him for a week.

Olivia is a 25-year-old heroin addict who has recently completed rehab. She has no place to stay, and Lorenzo is her last resort. Initially, Lorenzo is unhappy with the idea of Olivia staying with him, but she gradually wins him over with her charisma and charm. Despite their age difference and contrasting personalities, they form an unlikely bond that forces them to confront their personal demons.

As the days go by, Lorenzo becomes increasingly hesitant about Olivia's presence in his hideout. He begins to open up about his fears and insecurities, which leads to a deeper understanding between the siblings. Meanwhile, Olivia's past catches up with her, and Lorenzo is forced to reconsider his previous judgments about her. The movie uses the confined space of the basement to create an intimate and introspective atmosphere that allows the characters to explore their inner worlds.

The acting from the two leads, Jacopo Olmo Antinori and Tea Falco, is excellent. Their chemistry is palpable, and they smoothly bring to life the characters' emotional nuances. Both characters are flawed, and the movie doesn't shy away from showing their struggles. Antinori's portrayal of Lorenzo is particularly impressive. He conveys the character's aloofness and vulnerability through minimal dialogue and subtle gestures.

The music by French composer, Alexandre Desplat is another highlight of the film. The score intensifies the mood, and its haunting melodies stay with the viewer long after the movie ends. Bertolucci displays his masterful directing skills by making the basement a significant character in the story, adding visual depth and complexity to every scene.

Overall, Me and You is a moving and thought-provoking film. Its themes of family, addiction, and loneliness add layers of depth to the story, making it more than just a coming-of-age tale. Bertolucci's last film before his death in 2018, situates this work in his extensive cinematic legacy, that became a successful coming-back movie for the director. The movie is minimalist in its plot, bringing the characters and their psychology to the forefront of the story, fully engaging the viewer in their journey. It is a must-watch for fans of Italian cinema, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted character study that raises poignant themes.