Watch The Visit

The Visit is a 1964 Italian drama film directed by Bernhard Wicki and starring Ingrid Bergman, Anthony Quinn, and Paolo Stoppa. The film is based on a play by Swiss playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt and tells the story of a wealthy woman who returns to her hometown after many years to seek revenge on the man who betrayed her in her younger years.

The film opens with the arrival of Karla Zachanassian (Bergman) in the small town of Güllen. It is immediately clear that she is a woman of significant wealth and power, as she is surrounded by servants and luxury cars. She approaches the town leaders with a proposal: she will donate one billion dollars to the town if they will execute the man who wronged her when they were younger.

The man in question is Alfred Ill (Quinn), who is now a respected businessman and pillar of the community. At first, the townspeople are outraged by Karla's proposal and reject it outright. However, as they begin to experience the benefits of her wealth (new buildings, improved infrastructure, etc.), they begin to soften their stance.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Karla and Alfred's shared past. We see flashbacks of their youthful romance, which was cut short when Alfred abandoned Karla to marry someone else for money. Karla was left with a child out of wedlock, which caused her to be ostracized from the town and eventually led to a life of prostitution.

The tension mounts as the town becomes increasingly divided over Karla's proposal. Some see it as a chance to finally get justice for Karla, while others worry about the morality of executing Alfred. Meanwhile, Karla's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and menacing, leading some to question her true motives.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Paolo Stoppa, who plays the town's schoolteacher and moral voice. Stoppa's character serves as a voice of reason throughout the film, questioning the townspeople's willingness to compromise their values for money.

The Visit is a thought-provoking film that explores a variety of themes, including justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of money. It also features two of the greatest actors of their generation in Bergman and Quinn, who deliver powerful performances that help to anchor the film's emotional weight.

Overall, The Visit is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story with strong performances. While it may be a bit slow-moving for some viewers, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a poignant and unforgettable meditation on the human condition.

The Visit is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.