New Movies: The Time It Takes (2024) by Francesca Comencini: A Daughter’s Journey Through Cinema and Self-Discovery
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
“Healing Through Time and Film: A Father-Daughter Healing Memoir”The Time It Takes centers on Francesca, who recounts her relationship with her father, legendary director Luigi Comencini. Set during Italy's turbulent 1970s—amid drug addiction and political unrest—the film follows her evolution from enchanted child on the Pinocchio set to estranged teen until Luigi steps in, taking her to Paris to save her. This deeply personal and cinematic journey maps the healing power of family and art.
Summary Short
Francesca Comencini’s semi-autobiographical drama explores her profound bond with her father amid Italy’s “Years of Lead.” From the magic of childhood visits to the Pinocchio set to her descent into heroin and Luigi’s decisive intervention, the film is an intimate portrait of familial love, resilience, and how cinema shapes identity and recovery.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27952254/
Link to watch: https://www.universcine.com/films/prima-la-vita (France)
Detailed Summary
In The Time It Takes, Francesca recounts moments that define her and her father’s lives. Beginning with her admiration of Luigi's work on Pinocchio, the narrative progresses to her teenage years—marked by heroin addiction and isolation. Luigi's unconditional love and sacrifice lead him to remove her from her environment and care for her in Paris, guiding her through detox and emotional reconnection. Francesca, rekindled in her passion for cinema, ultimately reveals her intention to direct a film about her addiction—earning her father’s heartfelt support and pride. The film celebrates cinema as a tool for healing and intergenerational connection.
Plot Summary
Childhood Enchantment on the Pinocchio SetFrancesca’s early years are shaped by watching her father work—a magical, formative experience.
Adolescence, Addiction, and AlienationAs she grows older, Francesca spirals into heroin use, marking a painful departure from her childhood and straining familial bonds.
Luigi’s Sacrificial Intervention in ParisLuigi uproots her life, taking her to Paris and dedicating himself to her recovery—an act of profound fatherly devotion.
Reconciliation Through CinemaTheir bond heals as Francesca resolves to channel her trauma into filmmaking. Luigi blesses her creative pursuit, movingly accepting her filmic future.
Autobiographical Reflection: Comencini transforms her personal history into cinema, creating a heartfelt memoir.
Cinema as Emotional Lifeline: The film underscores the medium’s role across generations—as passion, refuge, and salvation.
Intimate Focus: Concentrating solely on the father-daughter relationship intensifies emotional impact.
Context of Turmoil: Set during Italy’s “Anni di Piombo,” the backdrop amplifies personal and societal tensions.
Themes
Family Bonds & Sacrifice: A daughter's descent and a father’s redemption: a testament to enduring love.
Addiction and Recovery: Heroin addiction is portrayed with realism, and the path to healing through paternal support.
Cinema’s Transformative Power: Film is both a spiritual and literal lifeline guiding identity and recovery.
Growing Up Amid Political Turmoil: The backdrop of political violence intensifies the stakes of personal rebellion and fear.
Key Success Factors
Powerful Performances: Fabrizio Gifuni and Romana Maggiora Vergano bring depth and authenticity.
Authentic Cinematography: Luca Bigazzi’s naturalistic visuals evoke emotional resonance.
Intimate Narrative Structure: A focused, dialogue-rich script creates emotional immediacy and clarity.
Emotionally Universal Story: Despite its autobiographical root, the themes of love, failure, and restoration resonate broadly.
Awards & Nominations
The film received 6 David di Donatello nominations (Best Film, Director, Original Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Actor, Young David) and multiple Nastro d’Argento nods—recognizing its screenplay, direction, performances, and technical craft
Critics Reception
Mymovies.it: Awarded 4/5—“Courage of a lioness…personal story universal”
Movieplayer.it: 3.5/5—“Intimate… emotional work… some rhetorical redundancy”
Cinematografo.it: 2.5/5—“Touching and perfectible pas de deux”
Today.it: 6.5/10—“Coherent… missing part… but intimate & vital”
Overall Summary: Reviews emphasize the film’s emotional honesty and strong performances, though some note structural issues.
Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes: Mixed critical reception; praised for grounded performances and cinematic passion.
Gazettely: Score 8/10; lauds intimate storytelling and cultural depth.
Ciak Magazine: Celebrates emotional impact and performances; notes connection to national history.
Movieplayer.it: Highlights cinematic homage and narrative simplicity, while flagging occasional excess.
Overall Summary: Critical consensus favors the film’s emotional resonance, intimate direction, and the authenticity of performances, offset by minor pacing or structural criticisms.
Box Office
The film earned approximately $950,000 worldwide, modest for a drama but strong for an intimate, festival-centered project .
Production Summary
An Italian–French co-production by Kavac, IBC Movie, OneArt, Les Films du Worso, and Rai Cinema, produced with support from Eurimages and Roma Lazio Film Commission
Sales Summary
International sales were managed by Charades (France), facilitating global festival entries and distribution
Distribution Companies
Released theatrically by 01 Distribution in Italy, with additional distribution by WeltKino (Germany, Switzerland) and Falcon Pictures (Indonesia)
Release Dates
Theatrical: Italy – September 26, 2024; premiered at Venice Film Festival (Sept 6–7, 2024)
Streaming/Festival Circuits: Featured in Rotterdam’s Limelight (Feb 2025); digital/streaming details not yet public.
Why to Recommend Movie
Authentic Emotional Study: A raw and tender portrait of a father-daughter bond.
Meditation on Failure & Resilience: Celebrates growth through compassion, not perfection.
Cinematic Homage: Rich with meta-film reflections and devotion to Italian cinematic heritage.
Timely Historical Context: Connects personal trauma to Italy’s political turbulence.
Why to Watch Movie
Deep Character Focus: Engaging, intimate performances create lasting emotional impact.
Visual & Narrative Harmony: Naturalist visuals and restrained pacing underscore the story’s sincerity.
Universal Themes: Addiction, love, recovery—resonate across cultures.
Cultural Relevance: Offers insights into Italy’s political past and legacy filmmakers.
Movie Trend
The Time It Takes fits the “cinema-centric memoir” trend, where filmmakers recount personal histories—using film as both subject and healing medium.
Social Trend
The film responds to the growing focus on intergenerational trauma and vulnerability, underlining emotional openness and mental health resilience amid family crises.
Final Verdict
The Time It Takes is a moving cinematic diary—personal yet universal, intimate yet resonant. Its quiet authority lies in its honest performances, cinematic love letter, and the unmatched power of family commitment. A must-see for cinephiles and anyone moved by stories of healing and legacy.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Lean into personal storytelling: Honest autobiographical narratives like this can foster deep audience connection.
Center relationships: Focus on singular relationships to heighten emotional impact.
Blend context with intimacy: Weave broader history into personal stories to add resonance.
Prioritize emotional visuality: Let cinematography subtly reinforce emotional arcs without overselling.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Back personal auteur films: These offer compelling cinema that resonates across festivals and niche audiences.
Invest in cross-border co-productions: Support artistic projects that benefit from cultural collaboration.
Showcase in festivals strategically: Use Venice, Rotterdam, Chicago to build critical momentum.
Market on emotional authenticity: Promote real stories that foreground emotional truth and resilience.
Final Conclusions
Francesca Comencini’s The Time It Takes is a beautifully restrained, emotionally rich testament to the healing power of cinema and family. Its strengths lie in the depth of its performances and the courage to transform private grief into public art. Though some narrative transitions may feel uneven, the film succeeds profoundly in honoring cinematic legacy and personal growth through love, vulnerability, and time.
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