Movies: Who Am I (2025) by Roberto Gasparro: A Dark Mirror to a Society in Flux

A Family's Secrets and the Masks of Modernity Chi sono io (English title: Who Am I) is a dramatic thriller from Italian director Roberto Gasparro. The film follows two friends, Silvia and Rossella, and their seemingly normal families. However, their lives are shattered when a series of shocking secrets and unexpected twists are revealed, taking the characters on a journey through the "precarious balances of an immoral and perverse society." The film is described as a "black and white photograph of a humanity" that constantly seeks novelty and acceptance. At the center of the story are the various personalities of each character, a clear and unconditional homage to Luigi Pirandello and his novel One, No One, and One Hundred Thousand.

Why to watch this movie: A Psychological Thriller with a Philosophical Core

• A Bold Exploration of Social Taboos: The film doesn't shy away from controversial topics, including "paraphilias" and the hidden lives of individuals in modern society. It promises a raw and unflinching look at the human psyche.

• Tribute to a Literary Giant: The director's explicit homage to Luigi Pirandello's philosophical work suggests a film that is not just a thriller, but a deep dive into questions of identity, truth, and the many "selves" we present to the world.

• A Unique Italian Perspective: The film offers a distinctly Italian take on these universal themes, with a cast of well-known Italian actors like Massimiliano Rossi and Tony Sperandeo, providing a different cultural and artistic lens.

Where to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0LVMJC6LUBKW40024MRGZM87AK/ref=dvm_src_ret_it_xx_s (Italy)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33319323/

About movie: https://www.35mmproduzionisrl.it/

What Trend is followed? The "Reality-Twist" and Social Commentary in Thrillers

• The "Secret Lives" Narrative: The film follows a popular trend in thrillers where seemingly normal characters are revealed to have dark or scandalous secret lives. This narrative taps into our fascination with what goes on behind closed doors.

• Social Commentary through Genre: The movie uses the framework of a dramatic thriller to critique contemporary society. It's a trend where genre films are not just for entertainment, but also serve as a vehicle for examining moral decay, the impact of technology (like OnlyFans), and the desperate search for validation.

Director's Vision: The Deconstruction of Identity

• Roberto Gasparro's vision is to expose the "hypocrisy and lies" of his characters. He believes that people feel immune to the consequences of their lies, but the film aims to show that others can see parts of them they themselves are unaware of.

• His directorial approach is philosophical, using the narrative to explore the "mille volti della persona" (the thousand faces of a person). The film is meant to be a journey for the characters—and the audience—to look inward and confront their own hidden truths.

• Gasparro, who also wrote, edited, and scored the film, has a holistic vision, suggesting a very personal and unified artistic statement.

Themes: Deception, Perversion, and the Search for Acceptance

• Lies and Deception: At the heart of the film is the theme of deception. Every character is forced to confront the lies they have told, both to others and to themselves. This theme explores how personal deceit can corrode a family and a society.

• Moral Decay and Social Perversion: The film portrays an "immoral and perverse society," using the characters' hidden lives on platforms like OnlyFans to comment on the erosion of traditional values and the search for validation through transgressive acts.

• The Need for Acceptance: Despite the dark subject matter, a key theme is the universal human need for novelty, understanding, and ultimately, acceptance. The film suggests that even in their darkest moments, the characters are simply trying to find a place where they belong.

Key success factors: A Timely and Controversial Subject

• The most significant success factor is the film's willingness to tackle a timely and controversial subject matter head-on. By focusing on secret lives and the use of platforms like OnlyFans, the film is tapping into modern anxieties and fascinations.

• The homage to Pirandello gives the film a intellectual and artistic weight, attracting an audience that is looking for more than a simple thriller.

• A strong, seasoned Italian cast brings credibility and powerful performances to a very dramatic and challenging story.

Awards and Nominations: A Regional Acclaim Chi sono io was premiered at the Massaua cinema in Turin, Italy, and received support from the Film Commission Torino Piemonte. While not a major international festival, the film's regional acclaim and backing from a notable film commission suggest it is a serious artistic work.

Critics Reception: A Divisive but Thought-Provoking Film

• The initial critical reception has been divided. Some critics praised the film for its "courage" in tackling such a dark and contemporary subject. Others found the portrayal of a "perverse society" to be sensationalized or overly abstract.

• Sites like MYmovies.it noted the film's "voyage among paraphilias," highlighting its provocative nature. The early reviews suggest the film will be a hot topic of discussion for its themes and artistic approach.

• Overall Summary: The critical reception is one of high-stakes, as the film’s subject matter is bound to elicit strong reactions. It is a work that is likely to be appreciated by those who are looking for a challenging and philosophical cinematic experience.

Reviews: Strong Reactions to a Shocking Narrative

• Public reviews from early screenings in Italy have been strong. Audiences were shocked and engrossed by the film's narrative, which kept them on the edge of their seats with its "constant twists and turns."

• Many viewers commented on the film's unsettling portrayal of a seemingly normal family with a dark underbelly, noting how it made them question the hidden lives of those around them.

• The overall sentiment is that the film is a powerful and memorable experience, though its dark themes make it a challenging watch. It is a film that generates strong word-of-mouth for its shocking plot and philosophical depth.

Release dates

• Release date on streaming: Not yet announced.

• Theatrical Release: The film had a theatrical premiere in Turin, Italy, on May 8, 2025.

Movie Trend: The Psychological Thriller as a Social Mirror The film is following the trend of using the psychological thriller as a social mirror. This trend sees filmmakers using suspense, mystery, and dark themes to reflect and critique the moral ambiguities and hidden anxieties of modern society. Instead of focusing on a singular villain, the film's antagonist is the society itself and the lies that its inhabitants tell.

Social Trend: The Duality of Our Digital and Physical Lives The film is following the major social trend of the duality of our digital and physical lives. It highlights the vast difference between the curated, public personas people project and their often secretive, transgressive online lives. The film explores how the internet can create a space for individuals to act out their deepest desires, creating a dangerous and complex schism in their identities.

Final Verdict: A Provocative and Unsettling Must-See Chi sono io is a provocative and unsettling film that is not afraid to challenge its audience. Its raw portrayal of social decay and its complex philosophical themes make it a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. While its dark subject matter may not be for everyone, it is a must-see for those who appreciate films that dare to hold a mirror up to the dark and complex realities of modern society.