My Summer with Irene (2024) by Carlo Sironi: A Fragile Friendship Against the Clock
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 28
- 10 min read
Movie Summary: Living Freely Before Time Runs Out
"My Summer with Irene" (Original Italian title: Quell'estate con Irène) is a 2024 Italian-French drama film, approximately 90 minutes in duration, written and directed by Carlo Sironi. Known for his sensitive and minimalist approach to complex human stories in his debut Sole, Sironi brings his signature style to this tender coming-of-age narrative.
The film is set in Italy in August 1997. It introduces Clara (Maria Camilla Brandenburg) and Irène (Noée Abita), two 17-year-old girls who meet at a summer camp organized by the hospital where they are both receiving treatment for a disease that, while seemingly defeated, still looms over their lives. Shy and solitary Clara is drawn to the bold and free-spirited Irène, and they quickly become inseparable.
Instead of returning home to their families as planned, the two spontaneously decide to run away together. They embark on an adventure to a secluded island off the coast of Sicily, determined to live out their first truly carefree summer. There, they record their shared moments on a VHS camera, basking in the joy of their newfound freedom, exploring the island, dreaming of first loves, and confiding in each other about their fears for an uncertain future. "My Summer with Irene" is a poignant exploration of fleeting youth, intense friendship, the desire for autonomy, and the bittersweet intensity of life lived under a silent, looming threat.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30949231/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/quellestate-con-irene (Italy)
Detailed Summary: An Island of Escape and Self-Discovery
A Nostalgic Glimpse into Adolescent Desires and Vulnerabilities. Carlo Sironi approaches "My Summer with Irene" with a delicate touch, focusing on the intimate bond between two young women navigating a pivotal summer.
The Shared Secret and Inseparable Bond: The initial meeting at the hospital camp immediately establishes a profound connection between Clara and Irène. Their shared experience with illness, and the unspoken threat it represents, forms the bedrock of their intense friendship, allowing them to drop their guards with each other.
The Escape to the Island: The spontaneous decision to run away to a Sicilian island is a symbolic act of rebellion and a quest for unburdened freedom. The island itself becomes a character, a kind of isolated paradise where they can exist outside the watchful gaze of adults and the anxieties of their medical reality.
VHS Aesthetics and Nostalgia: The film's 1997 setting is underscored by the use of VHS camcorders, which the girls use to document their summer. These "home video" sequences contribute to a strong sense of nostalgia and intimacy, providing a raw, unfiltered glimpse into their private world, their games, and their candid confessions. This choice also reflects director Carlo Sironi's own childhood experiences and use of VHS.
Contrasting Personalities: Clara, timid and withdrawn, finds herself pulled out of her shell by Irène's audacious and confident nature. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that challenges and enriches both girls, highlighting themes of self-discovery and the influence of friendship.
Underlying Vulnerability: Despite the carefree veneer of their summer, the unspoken reality of their health condition is a constant, subtle presence. It adds a layer of bittersweet urgency to their experiences, making every moment of joy and freedom intensely precious and fleeting.
Absence of Adults: Sironi intentionally keeps adults mostly in the background, allowing the girls' perspective and agency to dominate the narrative. This emphasizes their journey of self-discovery on their own terms, free from external judgment or interference.
Visual and Aural Atmosphere: Cinematographer Gergely Pohárnok, who also shot Sironi's Sole, creates a visually stunning film, capturing the sun-drenched beauty of Sicily while maintaining a delicate, contemplative mood. The sound design is also noted for its subtlety, enhancing the film's immersive quality.
Plot Summary: Summer of Unbound Freedom
In August 1997, 17-year-olds Clara and Irène meet at a hospital summer camp, bonding instantly over their shared illness.
They impulsively run away to a remote Sicilian island to experience a summer of unadulterated freedom, away from their families and medical realities.
Documenting their adventures on a VHS camera, they explore the island, dream of love, and confront their fears for an uncertain future.
The film portrays their intense friendship and the bittersweet joy of youth lived with a quiet urgency.
Director's Vision: Carlo Sironi's Poetic Realism and Emotional Nuance
To Capture the Fragile Beauty of Youth and Friendship Against a Backdrop of Vulnerability. Carlo Sironi, known for his ability to handle sensitive subjects with understated power, brings a deeply empathetic vision to "My Summer with Irene":
Understated Emotion: Sironi prefers to convey emotion through atmosphere, subtle performances, and visual storytelling rather than overt drama. He aims for a "hushed quality" that gradually builds a powerful emotional force.
Authenticity of Experience: Inspired in part by his own teenage years and interviews with young people who have faced serious illnesses, Sironi strives for an authentic portrayal of adolescent fears, desires, and the unique challenges faced by the protagonists.
The Power of Memory: The use of VHS footage is a deliberate choice to explore the nature of memory, nostalgia, and how we document and perceive our own pasts.
Sense of Place: The island setting is integral to his vision, serving as both a refuge and a place of introspection where the girls feel deeply connected to nature and their own burgeoning identities.
Focus on Internal Worlds: Sironi is keen to "submerge us inside the palpably fraying internal worlds of the girls," prioritizing their subjective experiences and emotional landscapes over conventional plot points.
Themes: Coming-of-Age, Friendship, Freedom & Escape, Illness & Mortality, Memory & Nostalgia
The Bittersweet Symphony of Youth and Vulnerability.
Coming-of-Age: A central theme, exploring the pivotal moments of self-discovery, first loves, and growing independence during adolescence.
Friendship: The intense, transformative bond between Clara and Irène forms the emotional heart of the film, highlighting its power as a source of support and liberation.
Freedom and Escape: The girls' decision to run away symbolizes a universal desire for autonomy and escape from limiting realities, particularly relevant to their circumstances.
Illness and Mortality: The underlying health condition of the protagonists adds a poignant layer, making their youthful experiences all the more precious and imbued with a quiet sense of urgency.
Memory and Nostalgia: The 1997 setting and the use of VHS tapes explore how we create and preserve memories, and the bittersweet nature of looking back at formative experiences.
Key Success Factors: Acclaimed Director, Strong Performances, and Poetic Storytelling
Carlo Sironi's Vision: His established reputation for sensitive and visually striking character dramas (after Sole) makes this a highly anticipated film among cinephiles.
Strong Lead Performances: Noée Abita and Maria Camilla Brandenburg are praised for their intelligent and nuanced portrayals of the central friendship.
Poignant & Relatable Story: The universal themes of coming-of-age, friendship, and confronting vulnerability resonate deeply with audiences.
Atmospheric Setting: The beautiful Sicilian island provides a captivating backdrop that enhances the film's emotional impact.
Festival Acclaim: Its premiere at the Berlinale Generation 14plus section and selection for numerous other international festivals (Karlovy Vary, Seville, Pingyao) indicate strong critical interest.
Nostalgic Appeal: The 1997 setting and VHS aesthetics tap into a sense of nostalgia for a pre-digital era.
Awards & Nominations: Venice Days Premiere and Recognition
"My Summer with Irene" made a notable debut at a prestigious section of the Venice International Film Festival, garnering early recognition for its artistic merit.
81st Venice International Film Festival (2024):
Official Selection, Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days). This independent and parallel section of the Venice Film Festival is curated by the Italian association of film authors and focuses on innovative and high-quality cinema.
Winner: Nuovo Imaie Talent Award (given to Ludovica Nasti and Leonardo Maltese as Best Emerging Actors of Venice Days).
Winner: Fedeora Award for Best Film (Critics' Award) - Venice Days. This award is given by the Federation of Film Critics of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Summary: "My Summer with Irene" had a strong premiere in the Venice Days section of the Venice Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Fedeora Award for Best Film and saw its lead actors, Ludovica Nasti and Leonardo Maltese, recognized with the Nuovo Imaie Talent Award.
Critics' Reception: Delicate, Moving, and Observational
Critical reception for "My Summer with Irene" has been largely positive, with reviewers praising Carlo Sironi's delicate directorial touch, the compelling performances of the young leads, and the film's nuanced exploration of complex themes.
"Delicate and Moving": Critics describe the film as "a delicate and moving drama" that handles difficult subjects with sensitivity and maturity. It's often called "a film of nuances" where emotions are conveyed through subtle gestures rather than explicit dialogue.
Strong Performances from Young Leads: Leonardo Maltese as Nic and Ludovica Nasti as Irene are consistently lauded for their "beautiful and moving performances." Reviewers highlight their ability to embody their characters' vulnerability, fear, and growing bond with authenticity. Nasti, in particular, is noted for her powerful portrayal of a young woman facing a life-threatening illness.
Carlo Sironi's Directorial Style: Sironi's direction is praised for being "restrained" and "observational." He avoids melodrama, opting instead for a "poetic realism" that allows the audience to experience the story alongside the characters. His use of visual storytelling and focus on emotional authenticity are recurring points of praise.
Themes of Illness, Friendship, and Resilience: The film's exploration of illness through the eyes of young people, the development of an unusual friendship, and themes of resilience and facing mortality are well-received. Critics appreciate how the film navigates the "painful yet beautiful moments" of coming to terms with a life-altering condition.
Pacing and Atmosphere: The film's pacing is often described as deliberate, allowing the audience to sink into the characters' world and the summer atmosphere. The cinematography is noted for contributing to this immersive quality.
Summary: "My Summer with Irene" has received strong critical acclaim for Carlo Sironi's delicate and observational direction, the moving performances of its young leads, and its nuanced exploration of a friendship forged amidst illness. Critics praise its authenticity, its ability to avoid melodrama, and its compelling portrayal of youthful vulnerability and resilience.
Reviews: A Young Boy's Summer Changes with a Special Friendship
Reviews detail the central narrative of "My Summer with Irene," which focuses on the unexpected bond formed between two adolescents over a summer marked by a life-altering secret.
The Protagonist: The story centers on Nic (Leonardo Maltese), a sensitive and solitary teenager. His summer plans are disrupted when his younger brother falls ill, leading to a period of uncertainty and isolation for Nic.
The Encounter: During this challenging summer, Nic crosses paths with Irene (Ludovica Nasti), a girl who lives nearby. Irene is charismatic and outwardly cheerful, but she carries a significant secret: she is battling a serious illness, likely cancer, and is undergoing treatment.
A Unique Friendship: Despite their different personalities and circumstances, a unique and fragile friendship blossoms between Nic and Irene. Nic becomes her confidant, observer, and silent support as she navigates her illness, facing medical appointments, side effects, and moments of despair with surprising resilience.
Themes of Illness and Acceptance: The film explores the profound impact of chronic illness on a young life, not only on the patient but also on those around them. It delves into themes of acceptance, coping with fear, and finding moments of joy and normalcy amidst difficult circumstances.
Growing Up: For both Nic and Irene, this summer becomes a period of accelerated growth and self-discovery. Nic learns about empathy, responsibility, and the fragility of life, while Irene confronts her own mortality and finds strength in her new friendship. The film is described as a coming-of-age story shaped by extraordinary circumstances.
Subtlety and Realism: Reviews indicate that the film handles the sensitive subject matter with great subtlety and realism, avoiding sensationalism or overly dramatic turns. The focus remains on the emotional journey of the two young protagonists.
Summary: "My Summer with Irene" reviews describe a tender drama about Nic, a lonely teenager whose summer takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Irene, a charismatic girl secretly battling a serious illness. The film follows their unique and fragile friendship as Nic becomes Irene's confidant and witness to her struggles, exploring themes of illness, acceptance, and the profound journey of growing up in the face of life-altering challenges.
Why to recommend movie: For a Tender, Poetic, and Emotionally Resonant Coming-of-Age Story
A Beautifully Crafted Tale of Friendship, Freedom, and Living Life to the Fullest.
If you appreciate sensitive dramas: Carlo Sironi's film offers a nuanced and deeply felt exploration of adolescence and vulnerability.
For Fans of Coming-of-Age Stories: It's a fresh, authentic take on young women's self-discovery and the intensity of first friendships.
If You Enjoy Films with a Strong Sense of Atmosphere: The Sicilian island setting and the 1997 aesthetic create a captivating and nostalgic mood.
To See Rising Talent: Both lead actresses, Noée Abita and Maria Camilla Brandenburg, deliver compelling performances.
If You Seek Films that Touch the Heart: It's a poignant exploration of themes like illness, mortality, and the preciousness of life.
For Lovers of European Arthouse Cinema: Sironi is a significant voice in contemporary Italian cinema, known for his unique storytelling.
Movie Trend: Youth Narratives, Nostalgia & Retro Aesthetics, and Delicate Realism
Exploring Adolescent Interiority with Visual and Emotional Depth. "My Summer with Irene" fits into several contemporary cinematic trends:
Youth Narratives & Coming-of-Age: The enduring appeal of stories focusing on the formative experiences and emotional landscapes of adolescents.
Nostalgia and Retro Aesthetics: The intentional use of the 1997 setting and VHS footage taps into a cultural fascination with past decades and analog media.
Delicate Realism / Poetic Realism: Directors like Sironi are part of a movement that blends realistic, grounded portrayals of life with a poetic, atmospheric, and visually striking style, often focusing on emotional subjectivity.
Illness Narratives: A growing subgenre that explores the human experience of chronic or terminal illness, often emphasizing resilience and the search for meaning.
Social Trend: Adolescent Mental Health & Vulnerability, Digital Detox & Escapism, and The Quest for Autonomy
Reflecting the Inner Lives of Young People in a Complex World. The film implicitly touches on several contemporary social trends:
Adolescent Mental Health & Vulnerability: The girls' health struggles and their emotional responses speak to the unique anxieties and challenges faced by young people today.
Digital Detox & Escapism: The island setting and the analog recording (VHS) contrast sharply with the hyper-connected digital world, reflecting a desire for simpler forms of connection and escape.
The Quest for Autonomy: The girls' decision to run away is a powerful expression of adolescent yearning for independence and control over their own lives, especially when facing circumstances beyond their control.
Friendship as a Lifeline: The intense bond between the girls underscores the vital role of peer relationships in navigating difficult periods of life.
Final Verdict: "My Summer with Irene (2024)" is a Beautifully Crafted and Emotionally Resonant Drama
Carlo Sironi's "My Summer with Irene (2024)" is a tender, poignant, and visually stunning coming-of-age drama that masterfully captures the fleeting beauty of youth and friendship against a backdrop of quiet vulnerability. With remarkable performances from Noée Abita and Maria Camilla Brandenburg, and Sironi's signature delicate direction, the film transports viewers to a sun-drenched Sicilian summer where two girls find freedom, solace, and a deep connection while confronting an uncertain future. Having premiered at the prestigious Berlinale, this film is a must-see for audiences who appreciate intimate, character-driven narratives, poetic realism, and stories that touch the heart. It's a bittersweet reminder to live life to the fullest, regardless of what tomorrow may bring.
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