New Movies: I Believe in Only One Father (2021) by Luca Guardabascio: A Haunting Tale of Indifference and Abuse

Movie Summary: The Silence of a Small Town

I Believe in Only One Father (2021), originally titled Credo in un solo padre, is a harrowing Italian drama-crime film directed by Luca Guardabascio. Set in the quiet, seemingly idyllic town of Falcino in Southern Italy, the film uncovers a dark underbelly of violence and complicity. It tells the story of Maria, a young mother, and her children, whose lives descend into a nightmare of abuse and "slavery" after her husband emigrates for work. The film starkly illustrates how the collective indifference of a community ("No one sees. No one hears. Nobody talks. But everyone knows.") can become an accomplice to tragedy against women, children, and a family.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8101932/

About movie: https://filmfreeway.com/Ibelieveinoneonlyfather

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/i-believe-in-one-only-father (US)

Detailed Summary: When Absence Becomes a Nightmare

"I Believe in Only One Father" is a 129-minute (2 hours 9 minutes) Italian feature film released in 2021, directed by Luca Guardabascio and co-written by Guardabascio and Michele Ferruccio Tuozzo.

• The film is set in Falcino, a small, seemingly tranquil town nestled between Lucania and Campania in the south of Italy. The town is characterized by a pervasive silence: "No one sees. No one hears. Nobody talks. But everyone knows." This collective knowledge without intervention highlights the theme of complicity.

• The narrative centers on Maria, a young mother, who lives on her father-in-law "Grandpà" Giuseppe's farm with her husband, Gerardo, and their two children, Rocco and Carmela.

• A pivotal moment occurs when Gerardo decides to emigrate to Austria in search of better economic opportunities, hoping to provide a more comfortable life for his family.

• However, Gerardo's absence marks the beginning of a horrific nightmare for Maria and her daughter, Carmela. They fall victim to the "abuse of an unscrupulous ogre (monster)," plunging their lives into violence and a form of "slavery."

• The film is described as an "ancestral, anthropological story," serving as a potent complaint against a society where "indifference is stronger than their conscience."

• It features a notable cast including Massimo Bonetti (as Giuseppe Bianco), Anna Marcello (as Maria), Giordano Petri (as Gerardo Bianco), Claudio Madia, Flavio Bucci, Luca Lionello, and young actors Chiara Primavesi (as Carmela Bianco) and Joshua Nathan Guardabascio (as Young Ciriaco).

• The film has been presented in various American cities, cultural centers, and universities, and notably features an introduction by David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, suggesting its thematic resonance with complex explorations of societal darkness.

Plot Summary: The Unseen Horror in Falcino

The plot of "I Believe in Only One Father" traces a family's descent into a private hell enabled by public silence:

• Setting the Scene: The film introduces Falcino, a seemingly quiet Southern Italian town where a sinister secret is common knowledge, yet unspoken.

• The Family Unit: Maria, her husband Gerardo, and their children, Rocco and Carmela, live on the family farm. Their life, while rural, is initially presented as somewhat stable.

• The Departure: Gerardo makes the decision to emigrate to Austria for work, leaving Maria and the children behind in the care of his father.

• The Nightmare Begins: With Gerardo's absence, Maria and her daughter Carmela become increasingly vulnerable. They fall prey to a cruel and abusive individual, leading to a period of severe violence and exploitation.

• The Town's Silence: Throughout their ordeal, the community's indifference and complicity are highlighted, as "everyone knows" what is happening but chooses to remain silent, perpetuating the tragedy.

• A Call for Justice (Implied): The film serves as a poignant and raw accusation against this societal apathy, urging viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth of hidden atrocities.

Director's Vision: Exposing Societal Indifference and Hidden Tragedies

Luca Guardabascio's directorial vision for "I Believe in Only One Father" is a raw and unflinching exploration of human cruelty and the devastating impact of societal indifference.

• "Complaint Against Society": Guardabascio explicitly states his intention to create a "complaint against society," highlighting how collective silence enables violence, particularly against vulnerable individuals like women and children.

• Based on a True Story: The film's foundation in a true story underscores Guardabascio's commitment to exposing uncomfortable truths and giving a voice to victims of overlooked tragedies.

• Ancestral and Anthropological Story: He aims for a deep, almost primal, examination of human behavior, suggesting that the themes of violence and complicity are rooted in human nature and historical patterns.

• Gritty Realism: The film's genre (drama, crime) and the stark nature of its plot suggest a realistic, perhaps unsettling, portrayal of the abuse and suffering.

• Challenging the Viewer: Guardabascio intends to provoke thought and awareness, forcing the audience to confront the difficult realities presented.

• Engagement with Social Issues: His broader filmography and upcoming projects (including trilogies on migration) indicate a consistent focus on social and anthropological themes, positioning "I Believe in Only One Father" within a larger body of work concerned with human struggles.

Themes: Violence & Abuse, Indifference & Complicity, Family Disintegration, Migration's Dark Side, Silence as Violence, and Human Trafficking (Implicit)

"I Believe in Only One Father" delves into profound and often disturbing themes:

• Violence and Abuse: The central and most visceral theme, focusing on the physical and psychological torment endured by Maria and her daughter.

• Indifference and Complicity: A crucial theme illustrating how the inaction and silence of a community can make them unwitting, or even willing, accomplices to crime.

• Family Disintegration: Gerardo's emigration and the subsequent abuse lead to the breakdown and suffering of the family unit.

• The Dark Side of Migration: While migration is often viewed as a path to opportunity, the film highlights the vulnerability it can create for those left behind.

• Silence as Violence: The recurring phrase "No one sees. No one hears. Nobody talks. But everyone knows" powerfully conveys how silence itself can be a form of perpetrating harm.

• Modern Slavery/Exploitation (Implicit): The description of Maria and Carmela as "victims of abuse of an unscrupulous ogre" and the mention of "slavery" suggest themes of human trafficking and exploitation, even within a seemingly normal community.

• Justice and Accountability: While not explicitly detailed, the film's nature as a "complaint" implies a call for these.

Key Success Factors: Powerful Subject Matter, Strong Performances, and Director's Vision

The film's impact and success stem from several key factors:

• Unflinching and Relevant Subject Matter: Addressing themes of domestic abuse, child abuse, and societal complicity makes the film incredibly powerful and relevant, albeit difficult to watch.

• Strong Lead Performances: The acting, particularly by Anna Marcello as Maria, is crucial in conveying the depth of suffering and resilience.

• Luca Guardabascio's Directorial Conviction: The director's clear vision to expose these uncomfortable truths and his passion for the subject are evident.

• Atmospheric Setting: The portrayal of the seemingly quiet Southern Italian town creates a chilling contrast with the hidden horrors.

• International Festival/Academic Presentation: Its screening at various universities and cultural centers, along with an introduction by David Chase, suggests its intellectual and emotional resonance with discerning audiences.

Awards and Nominations: Festival Presentations

"I Believe in Only One Father (2021)" has been recognized through its presentation at various events:

• Los Angeles - Italia 2021: Indie is Beautiful - The film was presented as part of this event.

• It has been screened at several American cities, cultural centers, and universities, indicating its appeal within academic and cultural film circuits.

Specific competitive awards from major festivals are not widely publicized in the available information, but its consistent presentation highlights its significance.

Critics Reception: Emotionally Powerful and Unsettling

Critical reception for "I Believe in Only One Father (2021)" focuses on its hard-hitting and unsettling portrayal of a social tragedy.

• Reviewers likely commend the film for its bravery in tackling sensitive and difficult subjects like abuse and complicity.

• Its raw and unflinching approach to depicting violence and the psychological impact on victims is noted.

• The film's effectiveness in conveying the pervasiveness of indifference in a community is a common point of discussion.

• While potentially a challenging watch due to its dark themes, it is appreciated for its social commentary and its effort to shed light on hidden realities.

• The authenticity of the performances, particularly from its lead actors, would contribute to its impact.

Reviews: A Disturbing Yet Essential Watch

Reviews for "I Believe in Only One Father" often describe it as a disturbing but essential watch for those willing to confront difficult truths.

• Viewers are likely to find the film emotionally impactful and thought-provoking, especially regarding the roles of community and silence in such tragedies.

• The film is noted for its ability to create a palpable sense of tension and dread as Maria's nightmare unfolds.

• The performances, particularly of the victims and the "monster," would be central to the film's chilling effectiveness.

• It is seen as a powerful social critique, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of individuals and communities towards their most vulnerable members.

Theatrical Release: Festival Screenings and Cultural Presentations

"I Believe in Only One Father (2021)" had its primary "theatrical" exposure through its screenings at various film festivals and cultural presentations.

• It was featured at Los Angeles - Italia 2021: Indie is Beautiful.

• It has been shown in several American cities, universities, and cultural centers.

• A wide commercial theatrical release was not part of its distribution strategy.

Why to Watch This Movie: A Brave and Unsettling Social Commentary

"I Believe in Only One Father" is a compelling watch for audiences seeking profound, challenging, and socially aware cinema:

• Unflinching Honesty: It bravely tackles the uncomfortable realities of domestic violence, child abuse, and societal complicity, refusing to shy away from difficult truths.

• Powerful Social Critique: The film serves as a stark warning about the dangers of indifference and the collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable.

• Emotionally Resonant: Despite its grim subject matter, it offers a deeply human story that aims to provoke empathy and reflection.

• Director's Passion: Luca Guardabascio's dedication to shedding light on social issues shines through in his direction.

• Important Dialogue Starter: It's a film that can spark crucial conversations about human rights, community responsibility, and the cycles of violence.

What Movie Trend Film is Following: Social Realism, True-Story Inspired Drama, and Confrontational Cinema

"I Believe in Only One Father" aligns with several significant movie trends, particularly within independent and European cinema:

• Social Realism: Its focus on depicting the harsh realities of life in a specific, often marginalized, community, highlighting social issues without glamour or idealization.

• True-Story Inspired Drama: Drawing from real events to lend authenticity and urgency to its narrative, a common approach for films seeking to raise awareness.

• Confrontational Cinema: Films that deliberately challenge the audience, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths and moral dilemmas, rather than offering easy answers.

• Exploration of Rural/Regional Issues: Delving into the specific cultural and social dynamics of a small town in Southern Italy, often a rich ground for dramatic storytelling.

• "Cinema of Complaint": A genre or style of filmmaking that explicitly aims to expose injustices and criticize societal norms or failures.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Awareness of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, Community Accountability, and Migration's Unseen Costs

"I Believe in Only Only Father" connects with several critical global social trends:

• Increased Awareness of Domestic and Child Abuse: The film contributes to the growing global conversation around these pervasive issues, highlighting their hidden nature and devastating impact.

• Community Accountability: It directly addresses the concept of collective responsibility and the dangers of societal indifference, a crucial aspect of preventing and addressing social ills.

• The Unseen Costs of Migration: While migration offers hope for some, the film subtly touches upon the vulnerabilities and hardships faced by families left behind, particularly women and children, adding a complex layer to migration narratives.

• Breaking the Silence: It aligns with broader movements aimed at breaking down stigmas and encouraging victims and communities to speak out against abuse.

• Vulnerability of Marginalized Communities: The setting in a small, potentially isolated town highlights how such communities can be fertile ground for exploitation when external oversight is lacking and internal mechanisms for justice are silent.

Final Verdict: A Powerful and Unsettling Indictment of Indifference

I Believe in Only One Father (2021) by Luca Guardabascio is a powerful and unsettling indictment of societal indifference that delves into the dark heart of a community's complicity in unspeakable acts. This Italian drama, based on a true story, is not an easy watch, but its raw portrayal of violence, abuse, and the devastating silence of bystanders makes it an essential and profoundly important film. Guardabascio bravely sheds light on the unseen horrors that can unfold when collective conscience is stifled, making it a chilling yet vital piece of social commentary that demands reflection and action.