L'intervallo

Veronica is a teenage girl that has done something to upset the local "Camorra" mafia. Mimmo, a teenage boy who sells ices (slush) on the streets, has been given the task to watch over her until the local boss of the area, Bernado, has time to come along and take care of the problem. Mimmo is unwilling, but compelled to cooperate in his task, while Veronica is flippant and understandably not co-operative. The scene is some deserted warehouse near Naples where the two develop a bond and mutual respect for each other's undesirable position despite the circumstances, both being caught up in the wrongdoings of daily mafia life. The film progresses at a gentle pace, and both characters are likable and inevitably they come to an understanding. Despite the slow pace, for me the film works on several levels. It successfully conveys that feeling of dread, evil, ignorance and misogyny that exists in the all-pervasive Italian mafia life, that feeling of helplessness, of having to accept that this is how things are, without reason but just because it is – the total abuse of power. Great acting from the two protagonists who apparently are debutants on the silver screen, and also by the mafia thugs who remind me of the occasional unsavory types I have come across while living in this great, but severely flawed country, that is Italy.

The Interval (2012), directed by Leonardo Di Costanzo, is a gripping drama that unfolds in the outskirts of Naples, where a sixteen-year-old girl named Veronica becomes a hostage after an offense to a local Camorra boss's neighborhood. As Veronica waits in an abandoned building for her punishment, she is guarded by Salvatore, a timid, fearful man, whose own struggles unfold as the film progresses. The film is a tense exploration of power, vulnerability, and the emotional dynamics between two individuals trapped in a dangerous situation.

The film excels in creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension, with the abandoned building acting as a metaphor for the characters' emotional confinement. Di Costanzo expertly builds suspense through slow pacing, allowing the viewer to feel the weight of the passing hours. The quiet nature of the film contrasts with the looming threat of violence, highlighting the sense of fear and helplessness that both Veronica and Salvatore experience.

Salvatore Ruocco's portrayal of Salvatore is subtle yet powerful. His performance captures the internal conflict of a man who, despite his fear and reluctance, finds himself caught in a situation he cannot escape. Francesca Riso, playing Veronica, brings a strong sense of defiance and vulnerability to her role, portraying a young woman who is both a victim of circumstance and a survivor in a world governed by fear and power.

The Interval's greatest strength lies in its ability to delve deep into the psychology of its characters. The film is not just a thriller, but a profound exploration of human emotions under extreme pressure. The quiet moments between Veronica and Salvatore are just as intense as the moments of danger, with both characters confronting their own fears and limitations.

The film does a great job of portraying the oppressive environment of Naples, using its setting not just as a backdrop, but as a character in itself. The film's pacing, however, may not appeal to all viewers, as it is deliberately slow, reflecting the tension of the situation but also leaving some moments feeling drawn out.

While The Interval may not have the broad appeal of more mainstream thrillers, it offers a powerful, emotionally charged experience that sticks with the viewer long after the credits roll. It's a quiet, contemplative film that uses its minimalism to great effect.

Rating: 8/10. A haunting and introspective thriller that captures the fear, power, and vulnerability of its characters in a tense and emotionally resonant narrative.

In an Italian urban area, the two teenagers, Mimmo (Salvatore Ruocco) and Veronica (Francesca Riso), are forced to spend time together at an abandoned building, because Veronica has gotten into trouble, and Mimmo owes somebody a favor, and therefore has to babysit her, until her mafioso "guardian" can talk to her.

But during their time in the condemned building, their initial animosity becomes a friendship, as they roam the area together, and share thoughts and anecdotes. Veronica doesn't want to have anything to do with the mobsters that kidnapped her, so she frequently tries to escape, but when she becomes aware that Mimmo will be hurt if she flees, her view on things change a bit.. but will it be enough to keep her from running away? The two leading actors are very likable, and there's a good tension throughout the movie, as you never really know what will happen when the gangsters return, and their growing relationship along with the fear of the unknown will keep you watching to the end.

However, when looking back upon the movie, it is very forgettable, as nothing really exciting happens during the story.. it is a very enjoyable film though, so it is definitely recommended for people who loves movies with small casts, and adventurous settings in urban areas during the summer.