Nanni Moretti's latest film, ‘It Will Happen Tonight’, starring Louis Garrel and Jasmine Trinca, faces criticism for its predictable romantic tropes and outdated themes.
Italian writer-director Nanni Moretti’s new romantic comedy, ‘It Will Happen Tonight’, featuring stars Louis Garrel and Jasmine Trinca, sparked discussions after its release as part of the Venice Film Festival competition. Critics have overwhelmingly deemed the film predictable, largely due to its reliance on classic romcom tropes. Early reactions indicate that while Moretti’s style may appeal to some, the film misses opportunities for originality and depth. Variety noted that its execution often feels dated compared to contemporary films presenting more complex emotional narratives.
While the film is based on the short story collection ‘Hungry Heart’ by Eshkol Nevo, critics suggest that it embodies classic Moretti in execution, notably intertwining the lives of its two protagonists, Matteo (Garrel) and Greta (Trinca). The plot reveals them caught in their current romantic entanglements while questioning their life choices through years of longing and missed opportunities. Critics argue that this structure becomes confusing as it jarringly jumps through timelines, diluting the emotional core of their experiences. The film’s inability to delve deeply into the characters’ psyches has been cited as a major flaw.
Early in the film, Moretti attempts to evoke nostalgia through various light-hearted scenes infused with old-fashioned elements. However, Variety comments that while some viewers may find such nostalgic markers charming, they risk feeling antiquated or cliché. This portrayal is emphasized in characters like Matteo’s humorous yet intrusive mother, which yields mixed reactions from audiences regarding their relatability to modern viewers.
Despite critiques, the film has the potential to resonate with local audiences in Italy, where Moretti enjoys a venerable standing. However, its appeal to a broader international audience remains uncertain, as noted in Variety. The humor and themes may not translate well, given varying cultural interpretations of romantic narratives. Audiences outside Italy may find themselves disconnected due to the film’s adherence to traditional romcom tropes, which have evolved in global cinema.
Matteo is portrayed as a lovable character facing mounting pressures; he has a pregnant girlfriend, Thea (Melina Åkerman), whose reluctance to move from Oslo creates strain. A poignant moment occurs when Thea chooses to leave Matteo after an encounter with his dismissive mother. Meanwhile, Greta confronts her own pressures as she evaluates her relationship with Carlo (Edoardo Purgatori), who proposes in an overly public manner. Her decision to escape highlights the weighted expectations placed upon her.
The narrative’s timeline cleverly shifts as it fast-forwards seven years later, allowing viewers to witness the evolution of Matteo and Greta’s lives. At a seemingly chance encounter at a tennis match, Matteo finds himself captivated by Greta, only to discover she is now married and has a daughter. Here, the film’s pacing and narrative structure falter as predictable beats fall flat, making it clear where the relationships will lead. The weight of past choices presses heavily, yet the film offers little resolution or depth to their struggles.
In summary, ‘It Will Happen Tonight’ presents Nanni Moretti’s stylistic choices through a familiar romantic narrative that evokes warmth in some but stagnation in others. Its challenges in portraying authentic emotional nuances raise questions about its relevance in the modern festival circuit amidst contemporary narratives focusing on depth and complexity. Ultimately, how audiences react to this familiar journey of love, choices, and regrets will clarify its impact in the coming months.
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