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New Movies: Parthenope (2024) by Paolo Sorrentino: A Mythical Portrait of Beauty, Time, and Naples

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Jul 12
  • 14 min read

Core Summary: The Enduring Mystery of a Neapolitan Woman and Her City

Parthenope (2024) is an Italian drama film written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, The Hand of God). The film is a lavish, melancholic, and often philosophical exploration of the life of Parthenope, a woman born in Naples in 1950, and her enduring, almost mythical, connection to the city that shares her name (Naples was founded by a siren named Parthenope). Through the various stages of her life, from youth to old age, the film delves into themes of beauty, love, freedom, the passage of time, and the elusive nature of happiness, all set against the stunning, complex, and sometimes chaotic backdrop of Naples. It’s a journey through a life largely unburdened by ambition, but filled with observation, passion, and the eternal search for meaning.

Summary Short: Paolo Sorrentino's Parthenope (2024) follows a beautiful woman's life journey in Naples from 1950 onwards, exploring love, freedom, and the passage of time with the city as a mythical backdrop.

Paolo Sorrentino's Parthenope (2024) is a visually opulent drama chronicling the life of a woman named Parthenope, born in Naples in 1950, as she navigates beauty, love, and the relentless march of time, all while embodying the spirit of her ancient, complex city.

Detailed Summary: Life's Currents in the Bay of Naples

Parthenope is a deeply atmospheric and introspective film, characterized by Sorrentino's signature visual grandeur and philosophical musings.

  • The Protagonist and Her City: The film introduces Parthenope (Celeste Dalla Porta as young Parthenope, later played by Stefania Sandrelli as older Parthenope), a beautiful and enigmatic woman born in Naples in 1950. Her name explicitly links her to the mythical siren who founded Naples, suggesting a deep, almost mystical connection to the city itself. The narrative follows her life from youth into old age, illustrating how her existence intertwines with the changing face and eternal spirit of Naples.

  • A Life Lived, Not Chased: Unlike many of Sorrentino's protagonists, Parthenope is depicted as a character who doesn't actively pursue grand ambitions or specific goals. Instead, she seems to flow with the currents of life, observing, experiencing, and living out her days with a quiet dignity and an appreciation for the beauty around her. This passive yet profound existence becomes the lens through which the film explores its themes.

  • Beauty and Its Weight: Parthenope's striking beauty is a recurring motif. The film explores how her attractiveness shapes her interactions, the way others perceive her, and her own relationship with her physical self, without necessarily defining her entire being.

  • Love, Loss, and Relationships: Over the decades, Parthenope experiences various forms of love, friendship, and loss. She encounters a colorful array of characters, including an eccentric university professor (Silvio Orlando), a writer grappling with his own legacy (Gary Oldman), and others who populate her world, each contributing to her understanding of life and human connection.

  • The Passage of Time: A central theme is the relentless march of time and its effects on individuals, relationships, and cities. Sorrentino uses Parthenope's aging process to meditate on youth, decay, memory, and the accumulation of experience.

  • Naples as a Character: Naples is far more than a backdrop; it is a living, breathing character in the film. Sorrentino captures its chaotic beauty, its vibrant culture, its ancient history, and its unique blend of melancholy and zest for life. The city's light, its sounds, its contradictions – all contribute to the film's pervasive atmosphere.

  • Sorrentino's Style: The film is drenched in Sorrentino's characteristic visual lavishness: sweeping long takes, meticulously composed frames, vibrant colors, and often melancholic soundtracks. It's a highly aestheticized journey, rich with symbolism and philosophical undertones, prompting contemplation rather than offering direct answers. The narrative is often episodic, drifting through moments and encounters rather than following a rigid plot.

Parthenope is a poetic and sensuous meditation on existence, beauty, and the profound connection between a woman and her city, told through the inimitable cinematic language of Paolo Sorrentino.

Director's Vision: Paolo Sorrentino's Ode to Beauty, Naples, and Life's Unfurling

Paolo Sorrentino, an auteur known for his distinct visual style and philosophical explorations, describes Parthenope as his most "feminine" film and a return to his roots in Naples, while delving into his recurring obsessions.

  • Naples as Muse: Sorrentino's deep connection to Naples, his hometown (also central to The Hand of God), is a driving force. His vision is to portray the city not just as a setting but as a "siren" itself, embodying its beauty, complexity, and unique soul, mirroring the protagonist. He explicitly stated it's "a love song to my city."

  • Focus on Beauty and Freedom: He intended to explore the nature of beauty and the pursuit of freedom, particularly through the lens of a female protagonist. He described Parthenope as someone who "does not want anything" but to live fully, embodying a certain kind of feminine freedom.

  • Philosophical Observation: True to his style, Sorrentino aimed for a contemplative film that observes life, love, and the passage of time without necessarily offering definitive answers. He's interested in "that part of life that is ignored" – not the heroic moments, but the quiet, profound experiences.

  • Visual Opulence: His vision always involves a meticulously crafted visual aesthetic. He used Naples' natural beauty, its iconic landmarks, and its hidden corners to create a visually stunning and immersive experience, often with a dreamlike quality.

  • Return to Core Themes: While different from his earlier works in its direct focus, Parthenope still reflects Sorrentino's enduring fascination with celebrity, existential ennui, the grotesque and the beautiful, and the search for meaning in a world of superficiality.

  • Collaborative Spirit: He praised his cast, especially Celeste Dalla Porta, for embodying his vision of Parthenope, indicating a collaborative approach to bringing the character to life.

Themes: Beauty & Its Nature, Freedom, The Passage of Time, Love & Desire, Naples as a Character, Existentialism, The Unseen & Unspoken

  • Beauty and Its Nature: What does it mean to possess beauty, how is it perceived, and does it lead to happiness or burden?

  • Freedom and Autonomy: Parthenope's passive yet unburdened existence explores different facets of freedom from ambition or societal expectations.

  • The Passage of Time and Mortality: A deep meditation on aging, memory, and how life unfolds and eventually fades.

  • Love and Desire: Various forms of human connection, passion, and longing are explored throughout Parthenope's life.

  • Naples as a Character/Mythology: The city itself is a central figure, embodying its own unique spirit, history, and mythology, intrinsically linked to the protagonist.

  • Existentialism: The film delves into the fundamental questions of existence, purpose, and the meaning (or lack thereof) in a life.

  • The Unseen and Unspoken: Like many Sorrentino films, Parthenope is rich in subtext, symbolism, and moments that suggest deeper meanings beyond explicit dialogue.

Key Success Factors: Sorrentino's Signature Style, Visual Spectacle, and Philosophical Depth

  • Paolo Sorrentino as Auteur: His distinctive, visually opulent, and philosophically rich filmmaking style is a major draw for audiences and critics.

  • Stunning Cinematography: Laurent Dailland's work captures the beauty of Naples and the characters with a lavish, dreamlike quality.

  • Prominent Cast: The film features a mix of established Italian actors (Silvio Orlando, Stefania Sandrelli) and an international star (Gary Oldman), alongside a compelling newcomer (Celeste Dalla Porta).

  • Cannes Premiere: Debuting in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival provides immense prestige and global visibility.

  • Meditative and Evocative Tone: For audiences who appreciate cinema as an art form that provokes thought and feeling rather than just telling a plot-driven story.

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

Paolo Sorrentino's Parthenope (2024), premiered at Cannes, is a visually stunning, melancholic drama about a beautiful woman's life in Naples from 1950 onwards, exploring themes of beauty, freedom, and time's passage with the city as a mythical character.

Awards & Nominations: A Cannes Competition Contender

Parthenope quickly gained international recognition by premiering at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, indicating its high artistic standing.

  • 77th Cannes Film Festival (2024): The film was an official selection and competed for the coveted Palme d'Or (Best Picture), a testament to its significant artistic merit and the international acclaim for Paolo Sorrentino.

  • 72nd San Sebastián Film Festival (2024): Nominated for the Audience Award, suggesting a strong connection with festival goers.

  • David di Donatello Awards (2025): The film garnered a remarkable 15 nominations at Italy's most prestigious film awards, including:

    • Best Film

    • Best Director (Paolo Sorrentino)

    • Best Actor (Silvio Orlando)

    • Best Actress (Celeste Dalla Porta)

    • Best Supporting Actor (Peppe Lanzetta)

    • Best Supporting Actress (Luisa Ranieri)

    • Best Original Screenplay (Paolo Sorrentino)

    • Best Cinematography (Daria D'Antonio)

    • Best Editing (Cristiano Travaglioli)

    • Best Visual Effects

    • Best Sound

    • Best Costume Design

    • Best Producer

    • Best Make-Up

    • Best Hair Design/Styling

This extensive list of nominations across multiple categories highlights the film's comprehensive artistic and technical achievements within its home country.

Critics' Reception: A Visually Stunning but Divisive Meditation

Critics' reception for Parthenope has been largely mixed, though frequently leaning positive for its aesthetic qualities. Reviewers universally praise the film's visual splendor and technical craftsmanship, but often express reservations about its narrative coherence and the depth of its central character.

  • Positive Highlights: Many critics found the film "exquisite," "transcendently alluring," and a "sumptuous feast for the senses." Daria D'Antonio's cinematography is frequently lauded as "ravishing" and "magnificent," with stunning images of Naples and its environs. Gary Oldman's brief but memorable appearance as John Cheever was also noted as endearing. When the film worked, it was described as "wondrous lo-fi charm" and "truly a sensual pleasure to watch."

  • Narrative and Character Concerns: A common critique is that the film prioritizes style over substance. Reviewers frequently described the plot as "picaresque," a "series of episodes that fail to connect or cohere," and lacking a clear "overarching meaning." Parthenope herself, despite being the central figure, is often seen as a "thinly-conceived cipher," an "avatar of youth and possibility" rather than a fully developed character. Her "indecisive and curious" nature, while intentional, left some critics feeling that she remained "opaque" and that her "development over the decades of her life is described more than shown."

  • Sorrentino's Signature Style: Critics acknowledged that Parthenope is quintessential Sorrentino, echoing themes and visual motifs from The Great Beauty and Youth. While some found this to be a "retread," others appreciated his continued exploration of beauty, melancholy, and the absurd. The film's "abashed leering quality" at female beauty was noted, with some questioning whether Sorrentino was out of his depth in portraying a female perspective.

  • Pacing and Tone: The film's "languid pace" was noted, making it feel "overlong" or "a bit of a drag" for some, while others embraced its "hazy, gauzy quality." The shift in tone, particularly after a tragic event early in the film, was also a point of discussion.

  • Overall Consensus: Metacritic gave Parthenope a score of 57 out of 100 based on critic reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Rotten Tomatoes offered a slightly higher 67% approval rating from critics, though with a consensus that highlights its "visual splendor" but questions its "narrative coherence."

In summary, Parthenope is viewed as a visually stunning and ambitious film that showcases Sorrentino's unparalleled aesthetic. However, its narrative structure and the perceived lack of emotional depth for its protagonist led to a mixed critical reception, often dividing reviewers on whether its beauty was enough to compensate for its storytelling shortcomings.

Reviews: Audiences Divided by Artistry and Narrative

Audience reactions to Parthenope mirror critical responses, with many appreciating its artistic vision and beauty, while others find its abstract nature and slow pacing to be a barrier to full engagement.

  • Visual Appeal is King: Similar to critics, audiences are overwhelmingly struck by the film's visual magnificence. Descriptions like "visually captivating," "sensual and visually exquisite," and "gorgeous" are common. Many viewers are happy to simply "drift through" the film, enjoying the "magnificence of Italy" as portrayed by Sorrentino.

  • Emotional and Existential Resonance: For those who connect with the film's more reflective and philosophical aspects, Parthenope is seen as "a beautiful film, and is again about loss, grief," and "an intriguing, if overlong, exploration of the roads taken and not taken." Its themes of "the human condition," "youth and possibility," and the "melancholic look back at her life" resonate deeply.

  • Divisive Pacing and Narrative: A frequent point of contention among audiences is the film's "languid pace" and "meandering" storyline. Some found it "slow" or "a bit of a drag," while others describe it as a "strange yet fascinating" watch that requires patience. The lack of a conventional plot or strong character arc for Parthenope herself also divided viewers, with some feeling she remained too "vague" or "unexplored."

  • "Not For Everyone": Many audience members acknowledge that Parthenope is "not a film for everyone." Those accustomed to more traditional narratives might find it challenging, whereas those open to an "arthouse," "surreal," or "meditative" experience are more likely to appreciate it.

  • Performances: Celeste Dalla Porta's debut performance as Parthenope is often praised for her enchanting presence, even if the character herself is perceived as somewhat aloof. Gary Oldman's cameo is also noted as a highlight.

Overall, Parthenope attracts an audience that appreciates cinematic artistry and philosophical depth over conventional plot. It is a film that generates strong opinions, with loyal fans of Sorrentino embracing his signature style and visual poetry, while others might find its abstractness and slow burn less engaging.

Box Office: Art-House and International Focus

As an Italian art-house film with a significant budget (reportedly around $15 million), Parthenope is not expected to be a major commercial blockbuster. Its box office performance will be driven by its critical acclaim, festival circuit, and targeted theatrical release in art-house cinemas globally.

  • Initial Italy Box Office: The film's performance in Italy will be key, but specific detailed figures are not yet widely released for its full run.

  • International Sales: The film has been acquired for distribution in various territories (e.g., France, UK, Germany, Spain, Japan, US). Its theatrical success will depend on these individual releases.

Overall Summary of Box Office: Parthenope is an art-house film with a modest, though significant for its genre, production budget. Its box office performance will be dependent on its targeted theatrical releases in key international markets, primarily driven by its critical reputation and director's name, rather than aiming for mainstream commercial success.

Production Summary: A Lavish Italian Production

Parthenope (2024) is an Italian drama film with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes (136 minutes). It is written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. The film stars Celeste Dalla Porta as young Parthenope, Stefania Sandrelli as older Parthenope, Silvio Orlando as Professor Marzolla, and Gary Oldman as John Cheever. Other key cast members include Luisa Ranieri (Greta), Peppe Lanzetta (Domenico), and Isabella Ferrari (Flavia). The film was shot extensively on location in Naples, Italy. The cinematography was handled by Laurent Dailland, and the original score was composed by Lele Marchitelli, a frequent Sorrentino collaborator.

Production Companies: Major European Backing

Parthenope is a large-scale European co-production, indicative of its ambitious scope:

  • Fremantle: A major global production and distribution company.

  • Lorenzo Mieli's The Apartment Pictures (Italy): A prominent Italian production company, frequently collaborating with Fremantle and Sorrentino.

  • Pathé (France): A major French film production and distribution company.

  • Number 9 Films (UK): A British production company.

  • Ardaco (Italy): Also involved in the production.

Sales Companies: Pathé Films

Pathé Films is listed as handling the international sales for Parthenope, indicating their role in securing distribution deals for the film across various global territories.

Distribution Companies: Multiple International Partners

Parthenope is being distributed by various partners globally:

  • Lucky Red (Italy)

  • Pathé Distribution (France)

  • MUBI (UK, Ireland, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, India, Turkey) - for streaming rights.

  • Focus Features (North America - theatrical rights)

  • Le Pacte (French theatrical)

  • Vertigo Films (Spain)

  • The Match Factory (International sales for some territories)

  • GAGA Corporation (Japan)

Release Date on Streaming: Varies by Territory (MUBI as key platform)

The streaming release for Parthenope varies by territory. MUBI has acquired streaming rights for several key territories (UK, Ireland, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, India, Turkey), so it will likely be available on that platform in those regions following its theatrical window. Specific dates depend on theatrical rollouts.

Theatrical Release: Cannes Premiere (May 2024), International Rollout (2024-2025)

  • World Premiere: Cannes Film Festival (In Competition) - May 21, 2024.

  • Italian Theatrical Release: Began May 22, 2025.

  • French Theatrical Release: Began June 26, 2024.

  • UK Theatrical Release: Scheduled for September 6, 2024.

  • US Theatrical Release: Scheduled for September 20, 2024 (by Focus Features).

  • German Theatrical Release: Scheduled for November 7, 2024.

  • Spanish Theatrical Release: Scheduled for January 17, 2025.

Why to Recommend this Movie: For a Visually Stunning, Contemplative Art-House Experience

  • Fans of Paolo Sorrentino: A must-see for anyone who appreciates the director's signature blend of visual grandeur, philosophical depth, and melancholic beauty.

  • Art-House Cinema Aficionados: Ideal for viewers who enjoy films that prioritize mood, atmosphere, and thematic exploration over traditional plot structure.

  • Lovers of Italian Culture/Naples: For those drawn to the vibrant and complex tapestry of Italian life, particularly the unique spirit of Naples.

  • Visually Driven Storytelling: Recommend to audiences who are moved by stunning cinematography and meticulous production design.

Why to Watch Movie: To Be Immersed in a Meditative Journey of Beauty and Time

  • Experience Visual Poetry: Watch for the breathtaking cinematography and lavish production design that turns Naples into a character.

  • Engage with Deep Themes: Reflect on profound questions about beauty, freedom, the passage of time, and the meaning of a life lived.

  • Witness Strong Performances: Enjoy the compelling debut of Celeste Dalla Porta and the nuanced portrayals by the ensemble cast, including Gary Oldman.

  • Indulge in an Auteur's Vision: If you're open to a film that offers a contemplative, atmospheric experience rather than a linear narrative, this is for you.

Movie Trend: Auteur-Driven Art-House Cinema and Cinematic Love Letters to Cities

Parthenope aligns perfectly with the enduring trend of auteur-driven art-house cinema, where a director's distinctive voice and visual style are paramount, often prioritizing thematic depth over conventional storytelling. It also fits into the trend of "cinematic love letters to cities," where a specific urban landscape (like Naples, in this case) becomes a central character and source of inspiration, much like Rome in Sorrentino's The Great Beauty.

Big Social Trend: Nostalgia and the Search for Meaning in Modernity

The film taps into the social trend of nostalgia, particularly for a seemingly simpler or more elegant past (the mid-20th century in Naples). It also resonates with the broader human quest for meaning and happiness in a complex world, exploring how individuals navigate life's currents, aging, and the pursuit of a fulfilled existence, often without clear answers, reflecting a contemporary philosophical search for authenticity amidst modern distractions.

Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Visually Exquisite but Sometimes Self-Referential Meditation

Parthenope is a visually exquisite and profoundly melancholic meditation on life, beauty, and the passage of time, imbued with Paolo Sorrentino's unmistakable artistic signature. While it may feel familiar to his devotees and challenge those seeking a more conventional narrative, its stunning cinematography, evocative atmosphere, and strong central performances leave a lasting impression. It stands as a poetic and sensual love letter to Naples and an exploration of a life lived without the constraints of ambition.

Recommendations for Film Makers: Embrace Visual Storytelling, Trust Audience Intelligence: Lessons from "Parthenope"

  • Prioritize Visuals as Narrative: Filmmakers should learn from Parthenope's example of how stunning cinematography and meticulous production design can be central to storytelling, conveying themes and emotions without heavy reliance on dialogue or plot.

  • Embrace Ambiguity: The film shows that not all questions need explicit answers. Filmmakers can trust their audience to engage with ambiguity and draw their own interpretations, particularly in philosophical or atmospheric works.

  • Make Setting a Character: Parthenope excels at making Naples a living, breathing entity. Filmmakers can consider how to integrate their locations so deeply that they become integral to the narrative and themes.

  • Risk Self-Referentiality (Cautiously): While some critics saw it as a drawback, Parthenope demonstrates that an auteur can revisit their own stylistic and thematic concerns. Filmmakers can leverage their established voice, but must also strive for fresh angles or deeper insights.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Support Auteur Visions, Invest in Aesthetic Cinema: Insights from This Production

  • Champion Auteur Directors: The industry should continue to invest in and provide creative freedom to distinctive auteur directors like Paolo Sorrentino, who consistently deliver unique, artistically ambitious cinematic experiences, even if they appeal to a niche audience.

  • Fund Visually Ambitious Projects: Parthenope's budget and visual scale prove there's a market for high-quality, aesthetically driven films that prioritize the cinematic experience.

  • Strategic Festival Launches: The Cannes premiere highlights the importance of prestigious film festivals as launchpads for art-house films to gain critical attention and international sales.

  • Cultivate Global Art-House Audiences: Distributors should continue to target and cultivate global art-house audiences who seek out challenging, philosophical, and visually striking cinema, recognizing the value beyond pure commercial returns.

Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on "Parthenope": A Beautiful Yet Divisive Work of Art

Parthenope is a beautiful, contemplative, and inherently divisive work of art from master filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino. It's a film that demands patience and an appreciation for visual poetry and philosophical musings over traditional narrative. While some may find it self-indulgent, its stunning aesthetic, powerful central performance, and profound exploration of life's fleeting beauty solidify its place as a significant addition to Sorrentino's filmography and a compelling experience for those receptive to its unique rhythms.


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