New Movies: Muori di lei (Close to Me) (2025) by Stefano Sardo: A Lockdown Obsession Spirals into Noir

Core Summary: A Pandemic Passion's Deadly Turn

"Muori di lei" (International title: "Close to Me") (2025) is an Italian dramatic thriller with romantic and noir elements, directed by Stefano Sardo. The film centers on Luca (Riccardo Scamarcio), a high school philosophy teacher in his early forties, who finds himself largely alone during Rome's COVID-19 lockdown as his wife, Sara (Maria Chiara Giannetta), a doctor, is consumed by hospital emergencies. Frustrated and somewhat unfulfilled, Luca becomes captivated by his new neighbor, Amanda (Mariela Garriga). What begins as an innocent fascination quickly spirals into an intense, forbidden affair. As their passionate encounters deepen, Luca's obsession turns dangerous, leading to unexpected twists and a reversal of roles between predator and prey. The film, which premiered in Italian cinemas on March 20, 2025, explores themes of desire, obsession, crisis of masculinity, and the unexpected consequences of illicit passion, all set against the backdrop of a world forced to slow down, making the personal drama even more intense.

Snapshot: Lockdown, Lust, and a Lethal Labyrinth

A philosophy teacher in COVID lockdown becomes dangerously obsessed with his new neighbor, triggering a passionate affair that transforms into a dark psychological thriller with deadly consequences.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32478708/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/475226/

About movie: https://www.medusa.it/movie/muori-di-lei/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/muori-di-lei (Italy)

Deep Dive: Beyond the Affair, Into the Human Psyche

"Muori di lei" is Stefano Sardo's sophomore feature, aiming to blend genres and explore the darker impulses of human desire within a contemporary context.

Key aspects that define "Muori di lei":

• Genre Blend: The film starts with elements of romantic comedy, quickly transitions into a passionate drama, and ultimately veers sharply into psychological thriller and noir, featuring unexpected twists. Critics note this multi-genre approach as both ambitious and, at times, a challenge to narrative cohesion.

• Lockdown Setting: The COVID-19 lockdown serves as a crucial backdrop, amplifying the characters' isolation, frustration, and the intensity of their burgeoning obsession. It creates a contained environment where personal dramas can fester.

• Themes of Desire and Obsession: Director Stefano Sardo has stated his intention to make a film about "desire" – not just sexual, but also the desire to be someone else, which leads characters to "derail." This obsession becomes a central, destructive force.

• Crisis of Masculinity: Riccardo Scamarcio's character, Luca, embodies a contemporary male in crisis – a "mediocre" teacher living in a house paid for by his rich father-in-law, contrasted with his heroic dead father figure. His affair becomes a desperate attempt to assert agency or escape his perceived inadequacies.

• Psychological Thriller Elements: The narrative involves a reversal of roles between spier and spied upon, and a shifting dynamic where victim and perpetrator become interchangeable, adding layers of suspense and psychological intrigue.

• Strong Italian Cast: Featuring prominent Italian actors like Riccardo Scamarcio (known for diverse roles) and Maria Chiara Giannetta, alongside Mariela Garriga.

• Director's Vision: Stefano Sardo, also a screenwriter, brings a nuanced approach to character and aims for a "sentimental noir" that is full of surprises.

"Muori di lei" aims to be a thought-provoking exploration of human desire and its dangerous implications, using the unique circumstances of a global pandemic to intensify a deeply personal and ultimately perilous affair.

The Journey: From Marital Monotony to Obsessive Abyss

• Lockdown and Marital Strain: Luca, a philosophy teacher, is home alone during the COVID-19 lockdown while his doctor wife, Sara, is overwhelmed with hospital duties. This isolation and marital void create fertile ground for new distractions.

• The Alluring Neighbor: Luca's attention is captured by his new neighbor, Amanda. His initial curiosity morphs into a voyeuristic fascination.

• Forbidden Passion Ignites: Driven by desire and a sense of dissatisfaction, Luca breaks the physical distance, initiating an intense and illicit affair with Amanda.

• Spiral of Obsession: What begins as a consensual affair escalates into an all-consuming obsession for Luca. He is willing to take extreme risks, increasingly detached from his responsibilities and marriage.

• Role Reversal and Dark Twists: The dynamic between Luca and Amanda becomes more complex and sinister. It's revealed that Amanda might have had her own agenda or that Luca was perhaps the one being manipulated, leading to shocking revelations and a psychological cat-and-mouse game.

• Consequences Unfold: The affair's dangerous trajectory culminates in dire and irreversible consequences, forcing Luca to confront the destructive path he has chosen, potentially leading to his undoing.

• Ambiguous Resolution (Implied): The film aims to leave the audience questioning who the real victim is and the ultimate price of uncontrolled desire, often ending without clear-cut moral resolutions.

Director's Lens: Stefano Sardo's Genre-Bending Exploration of Desire

Stefano Sardo, in "Muori di lei," showcases his talent for blending genres and diving into complex human desires, using the unique circumstances of the pandemic to amplify the drama.

• Exploration of Desire as a Driving Force: Sardo explicitly states his interest in desire as a disruptive element, pushing characters to "derail." His direction aims to capture this raw, often irrational, force that can lead to both passion and destruction.

  • Filmmakers exploring abstract concepts like desire should translate them into visceral, character-driven actions and reactions. Show, don't just tell, the all-consuming nature of obsession through character choices, visual metaphors, and escalating tension.

• Ambitious Genre Shifting: The film fluidly moves from romantic drama to psychological thriller and noir. Sardo controls these shifts to reflect the protagonist's changing perceptions and the escalating danger, though some critics found the transitions abrupt.

  • When blending genres, directors must carefully manage tone and pacing to ensure a cohesive narrative experience. Introduce elements of new genres subtly before fully transitioning, allowing the audience to adapt and maintaining immersion while delivering unexpected twists.

• Utilizing Setting as a Pressure Cooker: The COVID-19 lockdown acts as more than just a backdrop; it's a narrative device that intensifies the isolation and claustrophobia, making the emotional stakes higher.

  • Directors should view their setting as an active participant in the story, not just scenery. Exploit environmental elements (e.g., confined spaces, social restrictions, natural disasters) to heighten character conflicts, amplify themes, and create a palpable sense of pressure or unease.

Central Themes: Obsession, Crisis of Masculinity, Desire, and the Pandemic's Psychological Toll

• Obsessive Desire: The central theme, exploring how an initial attraction can spiral into an all-consuming and destructive obsession.

• Crisis of the Contemporary Male: Luca's character embodies a man grappling with unfulfillment, perceived inadequacy, and a desperate search for meaning or control through illicit means.

• Moral Ambiguity and Reversal of Roles: The blurring lines between victim and perpetrator, good and evil, challenging audience judgments.

• Consequences of Choice: The severe and often unforeseen repercussions of indulging one's darkest desires.

• Isolation and Containment: How the lockdown environment intensifies personal dramas, forcing characters to confront their inner demons in a confined space.

• The Unreliability of Perception: As a psychological thriller, the film likely plays with what is real versus what is imagined or manipulated.

Why It Shines: An Unflinching Look at Passion's Dark Side

• Bold Genre Fusion: Dares to blend romance, drama, and psychological thriller, offering a multi-faceted experience.

• Timely Backdrop: Uses the COVID-19 lockdown to enhance the story's intensity and relatability.

• Compelling Lead Performance: Riccardo Scamarcio delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man unraveling.

• Exploration of Toxic Desire: Delves into the dangerous allure and destructive power of obsession.

• Psychological Intrigue: Keeps audiences guessing with shifting perspectives and unexpected turns.

Critics Reception: Ambitious, Intense, and Provocative

"Muori di lei" (2025) has garnered attention and reviews following its Italian theatrical release in March 2025. Critics largely acknowledge Stefano Sardo's ambitious vision, particularly in its genre blending and thematic depth.

• Genre Ambitious but Uneven: Many critics noted the film's attempt to fuse romantic drama, thriller, and noir elements. While some found this audacious and engaging, others suggested it led to a "too jumbled" narrative or abrupt tonal shifts, potentially losing verisimilitude at points.

• Scamarcio's Performance: Riccardo Scamarcio's portrayal of Luca is frequently highlighted as a strength, praised for bringing depth and "irony" to a "frustrated medioman" in crisis.

• Timely Setting: The lockdown setting was recognized for its ability to intensify the psychological drama, making the personal descent feel more contained and immediate.

• Thematic Resonance: Reviewers appreciated the film's exploration of desire, obsession, and the male mid-life crisis, acknowledging Sardo's intention to delve into the "dark energy" within us.

• Provocative Storytelling: The film is seen as a brave attempt to tell a story about dangerous passion, with its twists and reversal of roles providing a provocative viewing experience.

Overall Summary: "Muori di lei" is seen as an ambitious and intense Italian drama/thriller that, while sometimes uneven in its genre shifts, is elevated by its strong central performance and compelling exploration of destructive desire in a unique contemporary setting.

Audience Reactions: Divided by Its Blended Tones

Audience reactions to "Muori di lei" have likely been somewhat mixed, reflecting the critical discussion around its genre blending and challenging themes.

• Intrigue and Engagement: Many viewers are likely drawn in by the film's initial romantic premise and the quick descent into psychological tension. The twists and turns keep the audience engaged.

• Divisive Genre Shifts: Audiences expecting a straightforward romantic drama might be surprised or alienated by the sharp turns into thriller and noir, while those seeking pure genre thrills might find the romantic drama elements too slow.

• Relatability of Crisis: Viewers, particularly men, might connect with Luca's internal struggles and frustrations, even if his actions become extreme.

• Discussion on Desire: The film's central theme of desire and obsession could spark intense discussions among viewers about relationships and morality.

Overall Summary: "Muori di lei" likely appeals to audiences who appreciate bold, character-driven dramas that take risks with genre and delve into the darker aspects of human psychology, but its stylistic shifts might divide opinions.

Production Notes: A Collaborative Italian Effort

"Muori di lei" is a notable Italian co-production, featuring a strong creative team.

• Directed by: Stefano Sardo

• Written by: Stefano Sardo, Giacomo Bendotti (from a story by Stefano Sardo)

• International Title: Close to Me

• Cast:

  • Riccardo Scamarcio as Luca

  • Mariela Garriga as Amanda

  • Maria Chiara Giannetta as Sara

  • Paolo Pierobon as Antonello

  • Giulio Beranek

  • Francesco Brandi

• Producers: Stefano Sardo, Ines Vasiljević, Jelena Mitrović (Co-producer)

• Production Companies: Nightswim, Medusa Film, Baš Čelik (Serbia)

• Distributor (Italy): Medusa Film

• World Sales: Minerva Pictures Group, TVCO

• Cinematography: Francesco Di Giacomo

• Editing: Sarah McTeigue

• Music: Francesco Cerasi

• Runtime: 103 minutes / 99 minutes (reported variously)

• Country: Italy / Serbia (Co-production)

• Language: Italian

• Filming Location: Rome, Italy

• Filming Dates: March-April 2024 (6 weeks)

• Release Date: March 20, 2025 (Italy)

Production Companies: Key Italian and Serbian Collaborators

• Nightswim

• Medusa Film

• Baš Čelik (Serbia)

Sales & Distribution: Medusa Film in Italy, International Sales by Minerva & TVCO

• Italian Theatrical Distribution: Medusa Film

• International Sales: Minerva Pictures Group, TVCO

Release Timeline: March 2025 Italian Premiere

• March-April 2024: Principal photography takes place in Rome.

• February 6, 2025: Official trailer released.

• March 20, 2025: Italian theatrical release.

• Post-March 2025: Expected to become available on VOD/streaming platforms.

Why See It: For a Gripping Dive into Desire's Dark Depths

• For an intense psychological thriller: It builds suspense through obsession and shifting roles.

• To see Riccardo Scamarcio in a complex, unlikable role: His performance is a standout.

• If you're fascinated by the psychological impact of lockdown: It uses the setting to amplify tension.

• For a film that dares to blend genres: It offers a dynamic and unpredictable viewing experience.

• To explore the dangerous side of desire and obsession: It's an unflinching look at human nature.

Why Watch: If You Appreciate European Dramas with a Dark Edge

• If you enjoy films that challenge moral conventions and character archetypes: It plays with audience expectations.

• To experience a narrative that oscillates between romance and peril: The shifting tones create a unique atmosphere.

• If you are drawn to stories about male crisis and fragility: It offers a nuanced portrayal of a man unraveling.

• For a glimpse into contemporary Italian cinema's genre explorations: Stefano Sardo pushes boundaries.

• If you seek a film that provokes discussion about passion, betrayal, and consequences: It leaves lingering questions.

Movie Trend: Post-Pandemic Psychological Thriller/Noir

"Muori di lei" (2025) aligns with the emerging movie trend of Post-Pandemic Psychological Thrillers and Noirs. These films utilize the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdowns not just as a backdrop, but as a catalyst for intense personal dramas, psychological unraveling, and heightened tension. The forced isolation and altered social dynamics create a fertile ground for exploring themes of obsession, paranoia, and the breaking down of societal norms. "Muori di lei" specifically leverages the claustrophobia of lockdown to amplify a dangerous affair, turning it into a twisted game of desire and manipulation, characteristic of this trend's focus on intimate, high-stakes psychological conflicts within a world fundamentally changed by the pandemic.

Social Trend: The Unforeseen Psychological Fallout of Forced Isolation

"Muori di lei" (2025) directly addresses the pervasive social trend of The Unforeseen Psychological Fallout of Forced Isolation, particularly experienced during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The film explores how prolonged confinement, disruption of routines, and heightened anxieties can impact individuals' mental states, relationships, and moral compasses. Luca's descent into obsession is framed by his isolation and frustration during the pandemic, highlighting how unprecedented circumstances can push individuals to act on impulses they might otherwise suppress. This trend reflects a broader societal recognition of the mental health toll exacted by the pandemic, including increased feelings of loneliness, shifts in personal boundaries, and the emergence of unexpected desires or destructive behaviors in response to profound changes in daily life.

Final Verdict: A Perilous Plunge into Passion's Dark Echoes

"Muori di lei" (international title "Close to Me") (2025), directed by Stefano Sardo, stands as a bold and unsettling Italian drama-thriller that meticulously peels back the layers of desire and obsession ignited within the confines of a pandemic lockdown. Having premiered in Italian cinemas on March 20, 2025, the film effectively uses its timely backdrop to amplify the psychological intensity of Luca, a philosophy teacher whose marital ennui leads him into a dangerous affair with his enigmatic neighbor, Amanda. Sardo’s direction daringly navigates a multi-genre landscape, transitioning from romance to a gripping psychological noir filled with unexpected twists and a chilling reversal of power dynamics. Elevated by Riccardo Scamarcio's nuanced portrayal of a man teetering on the edge, "Muori di lei" is a provocative and ultimately chilling exploration of the human psyche pushed to its limits by isolation, unfulfilled desires, and the perilous consequences of forbidden passion.

Recommendations for filmmakers: Mastering the Art of Psychological Escalation

• Utilize Contemporary Crises as Catalysts for Personal Drama: "Muori di lei" brilliantly leverages the COVID-19 lockdown as more than just a backdrop, transforming it into a pressure cooker that intensifies Luca's isolation and fuels his dangerous obsession. Filmmakers should look for real-world, resonant social or historical contexts that can inherently amplify characters' internal conflicts and external pressures, making personal stories feel more timely and profound. This approach allows the setting to become an active participant in the narrative, creating a palpable sense of confinement, anxiety, or urgency that directly impacts the characters' choices and emotional states, thereby deepening the psychological stakes of the story.

• Embrace Ambitious Genre Blending with Intentional Narrative Transitions: Stefano Sardo's film courageously shifts from romantic drama to psychological thriller and noir, creating an unpredictable viewing experience. Directors should not shy away from blending genres, but must do so with clear intent, ensuring that each transition serves the narrative's emotional and thematic progression, perhaps reflecting the protagonist's changing perception or the escalating danger. Careful tonal shifts, visual cues, and pacing adjustments are crucial to guide the audience through these transitions, making the genre-bending feel organic rather than jarring. This technique can lead to highly original and captivating films that defy categorization and keep audiences continually engaged and surprised.

• Explore the Darker Sides of Human Desire and Vulnerability: The film delves unflinchingly into the destructive nature of obsession and the crisis of masculinity. Filmmakers should be courageous in exploring the complex, sometimes uncomfortable, aspects of human psychology—desire, vulnerability, moral ambiguity—without resorting to simplistic villainy or judgment. By crafting multi-layered characters who are both flawed and relatable, and by allowing the audience to understand the motivations behind destructive behaviors, directors can create more resonant and thought-provoking narratives. This provides a rich ground for psychological drama, encouraging empathy even when characters make unsettling choices.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Backing Bold, Thematically Rich European Cinema

• Invest in and Promote European Films That Tackle Timely Psychological Dramas: "Muori di lei" demonstrates the capacity of European cinema to produce intense, character-driven psychological thrillers rooted in contemporary realities. The industry should actively seek out and fund such productions, recognizing their artistic merit and potential to resonate with audiences interested in complex human stories. These films often offer fresh perspectives on universal themes, pushing narrative and stylistic boundaries. By supporting them, the industry diversifies its offerings, fosters international artistic exchange, and appeals to a sophisticated global audience seeking more than just conventional entertainment.

• Champion Directors Who Blend Genres and Explore Complex Societal Nuances: Stefano Sardo's willingness to cross genre lines and delve into the psychological fallout of the pandemic showcases a dynamic directorial vision. The industry should empower filmmakers who are not afraid to experiment with form and content, especially those who use genre conventions to explore deeper societal or psychological nuances. Supporting such daring artistic choices leads to innovative and memorable cinema that challenges audience expectations and sparks important cultural conversations. It allows for creative freedom that can result in unique cinematic experiences, enriching the global film landscape.

• Implement Strategic Multi-Platform Distribution for Independent European Features: Given "Muori di lei's" Italian theatrical release and potential for international VOD/streaming, distributors should continue to adopt flexible strategies that maximize a film's reach. This involves leveraging film festivals for critical buzz, securing theatrical runs in key markets, and ensuring robust digital availability. Such tailored approaches are vital for independent European films to find their audience beyond their domestic borders. By strategically positioning these films across various platforms, the industry can ensure that compelling international dramas gain deserved recognition and commercial viability.

Final Conclusions: A Disquieting Portrait of Passion's Unseen Cost

"Muori di lei" (2025), Stefano Sardo's compelling Italian psychological drama, has emerged as a potent and unsettling exploration of how isolation and suppressed desire can unravel the human psyche. Since its March 2025 theatrical release, the film has solidified its place as a nuanced and timely work, masterfully depicting a philosophy teacher's dangerous descent into obsession with his neighbor amidst a global lockdown. Sardo's ambitious direction seamlessly blends romantic drama with the chilling undertones of a psychological thriller, creating a narrative that is both intimate and universally resonant in its examination of modern male fragility and the seductive, often destructive, power of illicit passion. Bolstered by Riccardo Scamarcio's captivating performance, "Muori di lei" is a thought-provoking and disquieting cinematic experience, a stark reminder that even in a world forced to slow down, the human heart can still race towards its own perilous abyss.