New Movies: Nonostante (2024) by Valerio Mastandrea: A Journey Between Life and Beyond

Core Summary: Love and Limbo in an Unusual Hospital Nonostante (2024), directed by Valerio Mastandrea, is a dramatic and fantastic film that premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. The story focuses on a man hospitalized who lives his condition with a certain tranquility, until a restless and rebellious fellow patient bursts in. The encounter between the two, in a hospital setting that turns out to be a limbo between life and death, forces them to confront their fears and desires, exploring the vulnerability of love and the struggle to find joy in the face of inevitable loss. The film, dedicated to Mastandrea's deceased father, is a profound reflection on consciousness and the possibility of returning without forgetting what has been lived.

Brief Summary: Encounter in a Hospital Limbo A sick man and a rebellious woman meet in a hospital that is a limbo between life and death, facing their fears and discovering an unexpected love, in a film that reflects on life, death, and memory.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29429122/

Link Review: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/nonostante-review-1235046899/

About movie: https://filmitalia.org/en/film/187143/

Link to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0U8UNZ3THJYC1WY8D63KMUTCGW/ref=dvm_src_ret_it_xx_s (Italy)

Detailed Summary: The Courage to Go On Despite Everything Nonostante (2024) is a dramatic and fantastic film directed by Valerio Mastandrea. The film was selected as the opening film for the Orizzonti section at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.

• The Premise: The film primarily takes place in a hospital, which is not a traditional healing place, but rather a "limbo" between life and death. Here lives a man (played by Valerio Mastandrea) who has accepted his condition with a certain resignation.

• The Decisive Encounter: His routine is disrupted by the arrival of a new patient, played by Dolores Fonzi, a deeply restless, angry woman who refuses to accept the "unwritten rules" of that place, wishing only to leave as soon as possible.

• The Confrontation and Rediscovery: The encounter between the two, so different in their approach to their condition, generates a confrontation that pushes them to face their fears, their desires, and to reconsider the meaning of life, love, and loss. Something is born between them that leads them to make crucial choices.

• The Theme of Memory and Love: The film explores the possibility of "returning" from this state of limbo, but with the awareness that this could lead to the loss of memories of what was lived. The strength of love in overcoming even oblivion is investigated.

• Context and Personal Dedication: The film is dedicated to Mastandrea's father, who passed away prematurely, and touches upon the delicate theme of the consciousness of those struggling in this limbo. The circular hospital setting, with people who "continuously go around without ever leaving their own path," serves as a visual metaphor for this loop condition.

• An Exceptional Cast: In addition to Valerio Mastandrea and Dolores Fonzi, the film boasts a talented cast that includes Lino Musella, Giorgio Montanini, Justin Alexander Korovkin, Barbara Ronchi, Luca Lionello, and Laura Morante.

Plot Summary

• The Hospital as Limbo: The male protagonist finds himself hospitalized in a facility that is not a traditional place of illness, but an almost metaphysical entity, a "limbo between life and death." The man has achieved a kind of balance in his state of suspension.

• The Disturbing Arrival: His calm is interrupted by the arrival of a new patient. This woman is deeply rebellious and hostile to her condition, rejecting every implicit rule of the place and ardently wishing to escape.

• The Clash and the Approach: The forced cohabitation and opposing personalities lead them to an inevitable clash, but also to a gradual rapprochement. Through their interactions, deeper fears and unexpressed desires emerge.

• Love in Limbo: A profound feeling is born between the two, a love that defies the precariousness of their existence in that limbo. This bond forces them to confront the possibility of a "personal rediscovery" and to "revisit their lives."

• The Choice of Return: The central dilemma arises when the possibility of a return to "real" life appears. This return, however, could mean the loss of memories of what was lived in that place and the connections formed.

• The Strength of Memory and Feelings: The film explores whether love and experiences lived in limbo can resist the oblivion imposed by "waking up." The male protagonist, in particular, must face the pain of a possible oblivion by the woman he loved.

• Poetic Ending: The film culminates with an ending that, as described, sees the protagonist "soaring" towards other dimensions, suggesting a transition that, despite physical death, carries with it the strength of love and memory.

Director's Vision Valerio Mastandrea's vision for Nonostante is deeply personal and aims to explore complex themes with lightness and an original narrative, moving away from the "comfort zones" of Italian cinema.

• "A Small Story Dealing with a Huge Theme": Mastandrea proposes to tell an intimate story that, however, addresses universal issues such as pain, grief, life, and death. His intention is to explore "the concept of death" when talking about life.

• Pain in the Era of Sharing: Drawing on themes from his previous film, Ride, Mastandrea investigates how grief is experienced in an era where not sharing loss seems to almost deny the right to suffer. Nonostante addresses the "central theme" of "how to live with pain" in this era.

• A Metaphorical Hospital: The hospital setting is not just a backdrop, but a "metaphor" for the "loop" in which people "continuously go around without ever leaving their own path." The circular architecture of the hospital is specifically chosen to convey this sense of repetitiveness and emotional imprisonment.

• The Encounter that Shocks: The vision focuses on the casual encounter between two people who, finding themselves in that "emotional" and "practical condition," are forced to make choices when "something is born there."

• Originality and Disorientation: Mastandrea had the "courage to disorient and tell a story in a totally original way," seeking to "escape the narrative and productive comfort zone of Italian cinema." The film is intended to "strike the inner world: it fascinates, intrigues, moves, and leaves one thoughtful and perplexed about the questions between life and the afterlife."

• References and Tone: The film has a "poetic leaning towards that Disney Pixar world" while dealing with profound themes, and some critics have noted echoes of the existential realism of authors like Nanni Moretti and the Dardenne brothers, while maintaining a lightness that makes it "viscerally personal." Mastandrea aims for a "narrative that relies on emotional depth more than scenic artifices."

• Actor as Director: Mastandrea has stated his desire to continue directing, knowing he will have to "give up a different acting continuity" because for him, at this moment in his life, "directing and therefore conceiving stories and telling them [is] more important."

Themes

• Life, Death, and Limbo: The central theme is existence in a "limbo between life and death," the consciousness of those suspended between the two dimensions, and the possibility of returning.

• Grief and Mourning in the Modern Era: The film delves into the theme of pain and mourning, reflecting on how loss is experienced in a society that seems to require sharing to validate suffering.

• The Power of Love and Memory: Despite the precariousness of existence in limbo, the love that arises between the protagonists is powerful and confronts the risk of oblivion, suggesting that feelings can transcend memory.

• Self-Discovery and Second Chances: The encounter between the two characters offers both a chance for personal rediscovery and to face life with courage, "despite" the difficulties.

• Acceptance and Rebellion: The contrast between passive acceptance of one's condition and rebellion against the "unwritten rules," both of the hospital and of life itself, is explored.

• Loneliness and Human Connection: Even in a crowded place like a hospital, there can be loneliness, but the film shows how an improbable connection can break that isolation.

• The Poetics of the Everyday and the Fantastic: The film blends elements of hospital reality with a touch of the fantastic, creating a narrative that borders on the dreamlike and the surreal.

Key Success Factors

• Narrative Originality: Valerio Mastandrea's ability to "disorient" and tell a story in a "totally original" way, moving away from the "comfort zone" of Italian cinema.

• Prestigious Cast: The presence of Valerio Mastandrea (also as an actor) and Dolores Fonzi, along with an ensemble of esteemed actors, contributes to attracting audiences and critics.

• Profound Themes: The film addresses universal themes such as life, death, pain, and love with sensitivity and an unusual perspective, making it emotionally resonant.

• Successful Debut at the Venice Film Festival: The opening of the Orizzonti section at the 81st Venice International Film Festival generated significant attention and prestige for the film.

• Auteurial Vision: Mastandrea's clear vision as a director, who favors details, atmospheres, and a narrative that "relies on emotional depth," is a strong point.

• Particular Aesthetics: The use of circular architecture for the hospital and the tendency to "soar high" stylistically, while also showing "flaws" and "naiveté," create a memorable aesthetic.

Brief Summary: Venice Opening, Mixed Reception, March 2025 Release Nonostante (2024) opened the Orizzonti section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival, earning a nomination for the Nastro d'Argento for Best Story. Critical reception was mixed, with praise for its originality and emotional depth, but also some reservations about its length and thematic clarity. The film is distributed by Bim Distribuzione and will be released in Italian cinemas on March 27, 2025.

Awards and Nominations Nonostante has already received important accolades and nominations:

• 81st Venice International Film Festival (2024): Opening film of the Orizzonti section.

  • Nominations: Orizzonti Award for Best Film, Orizzonti Award for Best Actress, Orizzonti Award for Best Actor, Orizzonti Award for Best Director.

• Nastri d'Argento (2025):

  • Nomination: Best Story for Valerio Mastandrea (with a win, according to one source).

Critical Reception and Reviews Critical reception of Nonostante (2024) has been mixed, but with a general appreciation for the project's originality and depth.

• MYmovies.it: Average rating of 3.26/5 (from critics, audience, and dictionaries), with a "Recommended YES." It describes it as a "viscerally personal film that expresses the fear of death through lightness" and "a film that strikes the inner world: it fascinates, intrigues, moves, and leaves one thoughtful and perplexed about the questions between life and the afterlife."

• Comingsoon.it: Praised the director for having had "the courage to disorient and tell a story in a totally original way."

• Cinematografo.it: Highlighted how the film confirms "the desire to escape the narrative and productive comfort zone of Italian cinema."

• Sentieri Selvaggi: Has a reader rating of 3.13/5. It describes it as a film where "the specter of death hangs, yet it is not a gloomy film. Quite the opposite. There is an irreducible urgency for life and the confirmation of cinema outside the box." It states that "his film may show naiveté, flaws, impasses, empty turns, but it has the courage and sensitivity to free itself, to soar high. To return to living with an open heart."

• Criticisms on Structure: Some reviews, like the one cited by MYmovies.it, expressed reservations about the length, calling it "absolutely insufficient to build the screenplay of a 90-minute film!", suggesting the idea was better suited for a short TV movie.

• Criticisms on Music: A review on YouTube criticized "too much music used here and there," arguing it wasn't always appropriate.

• A Disorienting Film: It is emphasized that the film "is disorienting for those who expect the usual roles from Mastandrea as director and actor."

General Summary of Critical Reception: Despite some reservations about the narrative structure and the use of music, critics acknowledged Mastandrea's courage in creating an original and deeply personal work, capable of touching emotional and philosophical chords with surprising lightness.

Reviews Given the recent premiere and the theatrical release scheduled for March 2025, full and widespread audience reviews are still being formed. However, initial reactions and existing critical reviews offer an indication:

• Emotion and Reflection: Reviews highlight the film's ability to move and make one reflect on the questions between life and the afterlife, and on the importance of living fully despite difficulties.

• Originality and Uniqueness: The originality with which Mastandrea tackles complex themes, distinguishing himself in the Italian cinematic landscape, is appreciated.

• Actor Performances: The acting of Valerio Mastandrea and Dolores Fonzi is a strong point, particularly Dolores Fonzi's "firepower in her eyes."

• Divisive Potential: The film could be "disorienting" for those who expect more conventional cinema, and its "slow and meditative" approach might not connect with all viewers. Some consider it a "film that strikes the inner world," not immediately accessible.

General Summary of Reviews: Initial impressions indicate a film that, while not unanimous in its appreciation due to bold stylistic and narrative choices, is undoubtedly a work that stimulates reflection and leaves an emotional mark, also thanks to the actors' performances.

Box Office Nonostante (2024) premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024 and will be released in Italian cinemas on March 27, 2025, distributed by Bim Distribuzione.

• Current Gross: According to MYmovies.it, the total gross in Italy as of June 8, 2025, was € 827,000. It was ranked 94th in the Box Office chart, with a daily gross of € 91.00 and 126,978 admissions.

• As a film that has recently been released in cinemas and falls into a more dramatic-auteur genre, its box office performance will be monitored throughout its theatrical run.

Production Summary Nonostante (2024) is a 92-minute Italian dramatic/fantastic film directed by Valerio Mastandrea. The screenplay was written by Valerio Mastandrea, with music by Tóti Guðnason. The film is produced by HT Film, Rai Cinema, Damocle, and Tenderstories. Costumes are by Giorgia Calandra and Federica Pavone. The main cast includes Valerio Mastandrea, Dolores Fonzi, Lino Musella, Giorgio Montanini, Justin Alexander Korovkin, Barbara Ronchi, Luca Lionello, and Laura Morante.

Production Companies

• HT Film

• Rai Cinema

• Damocle

• Tenderstories

Sales Companies International sales companies are not specified, but participation in a festival like Venice often implies the search for such agreements.

Distribution Companies

• Bim Distribuzione (for Italy)

Streaming Release Date The streaming release date for Nonostante (2024) has not yet been announced. The theatrical release is scheduled for March 27, 2025, in Italy. Typically, streaming availability follows several months after the theatrical release.

Theatrical Release Nonostante (2024) premiered as the opening film of the Orizzonti section at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2024. The theatrical release in Italy is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Why to Recommend This Film

• Originality and Audacity: For its ability to tackle complex themes with an unexpected and bold narrative style, moving away from conventions.

• Emotional Depth: If you are looking for a film that touches deep chords on existence, pain, and the strength of feelings.

• Valerio Mastandrea as Complete Auteur: It offers the opportunity to appreciate Mastandrea not only as an actor but also as a director with a well-defined authorial vision.

• Quality Cast: The performances of the cast, particularly Mastandrea and Dolores Fonzi, are a strong point.

• Stimulus for Reflection: The film invites profound reflection on life, death, memory, and the meaning of human relationships.

Why to Watch This Film

• You Love Auteur Cinema: If you appreciate films with a clear directorial imprint and an unconventional approach to storytelling.

• You Are Interested in Existential Themes: If reflections on life after death, grief, and the possibility of an "emotional second life" fascinate you.

• You Appreciate Intense Performances: The performances of Mastandrea and Fonzi promise to be very engaging.

• You Are Looking for a Thought-Provoking Film: If you are not afraid of works that can disorient and leave room for questions and personal interpretations.

• Curiosity for the Anomalous Hospital Setting: The unique setting of the hospital as a limbo adds an intriguing element.

Cinematic Trend Nonostante (2024) fits into the trend of Italian auteur cinema that seeks to explore new narrative forms and complex themes, often with a touch of genre (in this case, fantastic). It also represents the tendency of established actors to embark on directing careers, bringing their sensitivity and vision behind the camera. Furthermore, its selection at a prestigious festival like Venice attests to the continuing value of film festivals as a showcase for bold and experimental works. Finally, it aligns with films that deal with the theme of pain and loss from new and less conventional perspectives.

Social Trend The film connects with the growing social trend of open discussion on grief and pain management, especially in an era dominated by social media sharing, where emotions tend to be hidden or overly exposed. It also touches on the search for meaning and resilience in the face of life's adversities, reflecting a contemporary need to find hope and to "go on despite everything." The theme of "limbo" and memory resonates with a broader interest in spirituality and existential questions outside traditional dogmas.

Final Verdict Nonostante (2024) by Valerio Mastandrea is a courageous and deeply personal work that tackles the grand theme of life and death with surprising delicacy and originality. With direction that favors introspection and atmospheres, and intense performances by the cast, the film promises to be an emotionally and intellectually stimulating experience. Although it may not be for everyone due to its unconventional approach, it is a work that deserves attention for its ability to disorient and provoke thought, confirming Valerio Mastandrea as an increasingly defined authorial voice in the Italian cinematic landscape.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Narrative Originality: Draw inspiration from Mastandrea's courage in proposing a story outside the box, even for complex themes.

• Explore Profound Themes with Lightness: Learn to balance the seriousness of the subject with a touch of fantasy or lightness, making the film more accessible without sacrificing its depth.

• Curate the Aesthetic Vision: The metaphorical use of environments and architectures, such as the circular hospital, can strengthen the film's themes.

• Invest in Actor Performances: Even in an auteur context, a solid and well-directed cast can significantly elevate the film's quality and emotional impact.

• Don't Be Afraid to Disorient the Audience: Be willing to propose works that challenge expectations, opening new narrative and intellectual paths.

Recommendations for the Film Industry

• Support Bold Auteur Cinema: Continue to make space for directors like Mastandrea who dare with themes and styles, enriching the cinematic landscape.

• Invest in National Co-productions: Encourage collaborations between different Italian production companies to realize ambitious projects.

• Value Versatile Talents: Recognize and promote actors who successfully venture into directing, bringing a unique perspective.

• Promote Dialogue on Sensitive Themes: Marketing and distribution should emphasize the film's ability to stimulate reflection on important social and existential themes.

• Use Festivals as a Springboard: Selection at Venice demonstrates the strategic importance of international festivals for launching and promoting quality cinematic works.

Final Conclusions Nonostante (2024) is a film that dares and that, precisely "despite" its narrative challenges, stands out for its profound humanity and original approach to universal themes. Valerio Mastandrea signs a work that, between drama and fantasy, invites a moving reflection on the meaning of life, the strength of love, and the possibility of rebirth even in the face of the greatest loss. It is a cinematic experience that promises to be memorable, a further confirmation of Mastandrea's multifaceted talent.