Nostalgia review – joy and danger await in a Naples homecoming | Drama films

Felice (Pierfrancesco Favino) was a teenager when he left his home city of Naples. Now, 40 years later, with a wife and a business in Cairo, he finally returns, in this meandering but richly detailed drama. What draws him back initially is his frail elderly mother. But the city has a way of sinking its hooks again into an errant son. Director Mario Martone switches aspect ratios and film stock for flashbacks to capture the nostalgic allure of Felice’s memories. Gradually the city, together with the community that welcomes him, weaves its spell, and Felice starts to consider returning home. But just as the happy moments are ingrained in the fabric of the city, so are the festering grudges and lingering hostilities.

Felice (Pierfrancesco Favino) was a teenager when he left his home city of Naples. Now, 40 years later, with a wife and a business in Cairo, he finally returns, in this meandering but richly detailed drama. What draws him back initially is his frail elderly mother. But the city has a way of sinking its hooks again into an errant son. Director Mario Martone switches aspect ratios and film stock for flashbacks to capture the nostalgic allure of Felice’s memories. Gradually the city, together with the community that welcomes him, weaves its spell, and Felice starts to consider returning home. But just as the happy moments are ingrained in the fabric of the city, so are the festering grudges and lingering hostilities.