Fortuna, directed by Nicolangelo Gelormini, attempts to craft a haunting narrative about innocence, trauma, and unspeakable secrets but ultimately collapses under the weight of its own pretensions. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a young girl, Fortuna, navigating a bleak suburban life overshadowed by a harrowing mystery.
While Valeria Golino delivers a commendable performance as a psychologist attempting to unravel the story, the film's narrative feels disjointed and overly stylized. Gelormini's visual choices, though striking at times, come across as self-indulgent, prioritizing aesthetics over emotional resonance. The result is a story that fails to connect on a deeper level, leaving its most important themes underexplored.
Fortuna tries to blend the realism of a tragic crime story with the surrealism of a dark fairy tale, but the balance feels off. Instead of amplifying the emotional impact, the artistic flourishes distance the audience from the heart of the narrative. The film's ambition is evident, but its execution falls flat, making it more of an art piece than a gripping drama.
Rating: 5/10 - A visually ambitious but emotionally hollow debut.
