New Movies: Renverse (2024) by Bissacco Federico: A Dystopian Tale of Underground Survival and Class Struggle
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 12
- 8 min read
Core Summary
Renverse (2024) is an Italian drama/science fiction film directed by Federico Bissacco. The film is set in a devastated, dystopian Europe ruled by a federation of city-states. The narrative explores a stark societal divide: "barbarians" inhabit the surface, while "civilians" live in the underground. The plot intensifies with a familial conflict, as a brother believed dead battles a living one. The film delves into themes of class struggle, the fight for survival in a fragmented world, and the inherent human spirit that resists injustice. It has been selected for the Social Film Festival ArTelesia 2024.
Short Summary
Federico Bissacco's Renverse (2024) is an Italian sci-fi drama set in a post-apocalyptic Europe, depicting a divided society with surface "barbarians" and underground "civilians." It follows a sibling conflict amid class struggle and the fight for survival, exploring humanity's resilience against injustice.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34921324/
About movie: https://www.premierefilm.it/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/renverse (Italy)
Detailed Summary
Renverse (2024) is an Italian drama and science fiction film directed by Federico Bissacco. While extensive details are not yet available in English search results, the film has been selected for the Social Film Festival ArTelesia 2024, indicating its presence within the independent film circuit. Federico Bissacco is also an author, having written a book titled "Renverse Alpha Z III" which appears to share thematic elements with the film.
Release and Festival Premiere: The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes and was included in the official selection for the Social Film Festival ArTelesia in 2024. A specific wider theatrical or streaming release date is not yet publicly known, but it is listed as a 2024 film.
Central Premise: The story is set in a post-apocalyptic, devastated Europe. The continent is no longer united but is governed by a federation of city-states. A defining characteristic of this world is a profound societal division:
"Barbarians" inhabit the surface world.
"Civilians" live in the underground.
Narrative Conflict: The plot introduces a central conflict between two brothers: one was believed to be dead, while the other is alive, and they are now at war with each other. This personal feud mirrors the larger societal struggles within their fractured world.
Themes: The film delves into significant themes:
Class Struggle: The stark division between surface dwellers and underground inhabitants clearly represents a struggle between social classes or factions.
Survival: Both the "barbarians" and "civilians" are engaged in a constant fight for survival in their harsh environments.
Human Resilience: The narrative emphasizes "the human spirit that does not surrender to injustice and fights as it can," suggesting a theme of hope and resistance against oppression.
Faith vs. Religion: The film also explores the conflict between "faith that fights religion," hinting at deeper philosophical or spiritual dilemmas within this dystopian setting.
Cast: Based on limited acting resumes, cast members include:
Ilaria Zoe Antonello (as Pauline, listed for "Renverse")
Adele Pisani (listed as "Supporting Lead" for "Renverse")
Rocco Marazzita (listed for "Alessandra" and "Post Scriptum" by Federico Bissacco, but not explicitly "Renverse")
Director's Filmography: Federico Bissacco has directed other short films, including "Underground" (2023), "Alessandra" (2016), and "Post Scriptum" (2016), as well as a short film called "Fall" (2023). "Underground" is noted for being entirely recited in Esperanto, suggesting an experimental approach.
Plot Summary
Dystopian Europe: The setting is a post-apocalyptic Europe, fragmented into city-states.
Societal Divide: Humanity is split between "barbarians" on the surface and "civilians" living underground.
Fraternal Conflict: A central plot involves a war between two brothers, one believed dead and the other alive.
Class and Survival Struggles: The characters navigate constant class conflicts and the harsh realities of survival in their divided world.
Resistance to Injustice: The narrative emphasizes the human spirit's fight against injustice and its refusal to surrender.
Director's Vision
Federico Bissacco's vision for Renverse (2024) appears to be a bleak yet hopeful exploration of human nature in a fractured, dystopian future. Drawing on themes from his written work ("Renverse Alpha Z III"), Bissacco aims to create a cinematic world that visually manifests societal divisions and the struggle for survival. His vision emphasizes:
Social Commentary through Dystopia: The film uses a destroyed Europe and the distinct "surface" and "underground" societies to critique class struggle and the consequences of societal collapse.
Intimate Conflict within a Grand Setting: By focusing on the conflict between two brothers, Bissacco likely aims to ground the grand dystopian backdrop in a personal, relatable human drama.
The Unyielding Human Spirit: A core tenet of his vision is to highlight humanity's resilience and refusal to succumb to injustice, showcasing acts of defiance and the persistence of faith.
Philosophical Underpinnings: The mention of "faith that fights religion" suggests a deeper philosophical exploration within the narrative, hinting at a critique of institutionalized beliefs versus genuine conviction.
Experimental Storytelling: Given his previous work like "Underground" (recited in Esperanto), Bissacco may employ unconventional narrative or stylistic choices in "Renverse" to enhance its unique vision.
Key Themes
Dystopian Society: The film's setting in a fragmented, post-apocalyptic Europe governed by city-states.
Class Division: The stark contrast and conflict between the "barbarians" on the surface and the "civilians" underground.
Survival: The constant struggle for existence in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Familial Conflict: The personal war between two brothers, one believed dead and one alive, mirroring broader societal struggles.
Resilience and Resistance: The indomitable human spirit that refuses to surrender to injustice and actively fights for freedom.
Faith vs. Religion: An exploration of spiritual beliefs and their conflict with established religious institutions.
Key Success Factors
Intriguing Dystopian Premise: A compelling setup with a divided society and a ravaged Europe.
Relevant Social Commentary: Themes of class struggle and human resilience are universally pertinent.
Director's Unique Voice: Federico Bissacco's past work suggests an experimental and thought-provoking approach.
Festival Recognition: Selection for the Social Film Festival ArTelesia provides early exposure and validation for the film.
Awards and Nominations
As a 2024 film that has been selected for the Social Film Festival ArTelesia, Renverse (2024) has begun its festival run. Specific awards or nominations from this festival or others are not yet widely publicized in the provided search results.
Production Summary
Renverse (2024) is an Italian drama/science fiction film with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It is directed by Federico Bissacco. Based on actor resumes, the cast includes Ilaria Zoe Antonello (Pauline) and Adele Pisani (Supporting Lead). The film was produced in Turin, Italy.
Production Companies
Specific production companies for Renverse (2024) are not widely listed in the provided search results. However, its production in Turin, Italy, suggests it is an independent Italian production.
Sales Companies
Information regarding sales companies for Renverse (2024) is not available. As an independent film, sales will likely be handled on a market-by-market basis or directly by the production team.
Distribution Companies
Information regarding distribution companies for Renverse (2024) is not available. Its distribution will likely depend on its reception at film festivals and potential acquisition by independent distributors or streaming platforms.
Streaming Release Date
A specific streaming release date for Renverse (2024) is not yet available. Its release on streaming platforms will likely depend on its distribution deals following its festival run.
Theatrical Release
A specific theatrical release date for Renverse (2024) beyond its festival premiere is not widely available. It was selected for the Social Film Festival ArTelesia in 2024.
Why to Recommend the Movie
Unique Dystopian Vision: Offers a distinct and thought-provoking portrayal of a fragmented, post-apocalyptic Europe.
Deep Thematic Exploration: Delves into significant social and philosophical issues like class struggle, survival, and the conflict between faith and religion.
Director's Artistic Approach: Federico Bissacco's filmography suggests a willingness to experiment and tackle complex narratives.
Focus on Human Resilience: Highlights the enduring human spirit in the face of profound injustice and adversity.
Why to Watch the Movie
If you enjoy sci-fi dramas with a strong social commentary: The film uses its futuristic setting to explore relevant contemporary issues.
For fans of independent and international cinema: It offers a unique voice from the Italian film scene.
If you are drawn to stories about survival in harsh environments: The film's setting provides a backdrop for a desperate struggle for existence.
To experience a film that challenges societal norms: It explores the conflict between traditional beliefs and evolving societal structures.
If you appreciate films with a philosophical or spiritual dimension: The theme of faith vs. religion suggests a deeper intellectual engagement.
Movie Trend
The film aligns with the trend of Independent Dystopian Cinema, which often uses limited budgets to create rich, thematic worlds that explore societal anxieties and human conditions. Its focus on social division and philosophical questions places it within Socially Conscious Sci-Fi. As an Italian production, it also contributes to the visibility of European Independent Films within the global cinema landscape.
Social Trend
Renverse (2024) reflects contemporary social trends regarding Societal Fragmentation and Inequality, portraying a world starkly divided by living conditions and power structures. The "barbarians" vs. "civilians" dichotomy speaks to current anxieties about class disparities and the potential for social breakdown. Furthermore, the film's exploration of "faith that fights religion" touches on modern discussions surrounding Spirituality vs. Organized Religion and individual belief systems in a rapidly changing world. The overarching theme of resilience against injustice also resonates with global movements advocating for Social Justice and Human Rights.
Final Verdict
Renverse (2024), directed by Federico Bissacco, appears to be a thought-provoking Italian dystopian drama that builds a bleak yet compelling vision of a fragmented, post-apocalyptic Europe. With its stark divide between surface-dwelling "barbarians" and underground "civilians," and a central conflict between estranged brothers, the film promises a deep dive into themes of class struggle, survival, and the unyielding human spirit. While details on its full cast, critical reception, and wide distribution are still emerging from its festival run (including selection for Social Film Festival ArTelesia), Bissacco's unique approach and the film's relevant social commentary make Renverse an intriguing prospect for fans of independent, intellectual science fiction cinema.
Recommendations for filmmakers
Develop Strong World-building: Even with limited resources, a clearly defined and thematically rich dystopian world can significantly enhance a film's impact. Visualizing the "surface" and "underground" effectively is crucial.
Focus on Core Conflicts: In a complex setting, grounding the narrative in a relatable human conflict (like the warring brothers) can provide an emotional anchor for the audience amidst grander themes.
Use Genre for Commentary: Leverage science fiction elements not just for spectacle, but as a vehicle to explore pressing social and philosophical questions. This allows for a deeper, more resonant narrative.
Embrace Festival Exposure: For independent films, premiering at festivals like Social Film Festival ArTelesia can be vital for gaining recognition, critical attention, and potential distribution deals.
Explore Unconventional Storytelling: Don't be afraid to experiment with narrative structures or linguistic choices (as seen in Bissacco's previous work) if it serves the film's artistic vision.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Independent Dystopian Cinema: Recognize the potential of independent filmmakers to create powerful and relevant dystopian narratives that often offer profound social commentary with creative solutions to budget constraints.
Promote Diverse Global Voices: Continue to seek out and champion films from various countries, especially those that offer unique cultural perspectives on universal themes.
Invest in Socially Conscious Sci-Fi: There's a growing audience for science fiction that engages with contemporary social and philosophical issues, rather than just escapism.
Foster Festival-to-Distribution Pathways: Create clearer pathways for independent films that perform well at festivals to secure wider theatrical or streaming distribution, ensuring these important voices reach larger audiences.
Value Philosophical Depth: Encourage and reward films that delve into complex intellectual and spiritual themes, as these can provide a richer and more memorable cinematic experience.
Final Conclusions
Renverse (2024), directed by Federico Bissacco, appears to be a thought-provoking Italian dystopian drama that builds a bleak yet compelling vision of a fragmented, post-apocalyptic Europe. With its stark divide between surface-dwelling "barbarians" and underground "civilians," and a central conflict between estranged brothers, the film promises a deep dive into themes of class struggle, survival, and the unyielding human spirit. While details on its full cast, critical reception, and wide distribution are still emerging from its festival run (including selection for Social Film Festival ArTelesia), Bissacco's unique approach and the film's relevant social commentary make Renverse an intriguing prospect for fans of independent, intellectual science fiction cinema.

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