Like Friends

I lately saw the film on Orion platform and I was curious as I am a fun of science-fiction movies.

I found it pretty intelligent mixing up present and future time, mixed up with feeling, nowadays problems. A nice story which makes you think about the new AI technology with the old traditional human needs. Not boring at all and, for my point on view, a "chapeau" for not being neither aggressive nor violent as many of "new entries".

Last, but not least, I think this movie could be a propaedeutic story of a very near future Marcello Crea's best result 👌 till now, with most of performers unknown. (My opinion!)

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the deliberate choice to push certain characters to the edge of caricature. A striking example is the mother figure, an eccentric ex-wife who, obsessed with social media, constantly livestreams videos, eventually becoming the subject of her young daughter's scrutiny due to her excessive self-exposure. While this portrayal may seem exaggerated, it actually captures the farcical and often artificial nature of the digital world, where the projected image matters more than substance.

The film stands out for its bold approach to addressing complex themes through an accessible and at times surreal language. While some viewers might find the tone over-the-top, it is precisely this stylistic choice that makes Like Friends a work unafraid to take risks in portraying a contemporary truth.

I was born in Trieste, and it's always exciting to see my city featured in a film.

The film makes perfect use of the city, whose historical charm blends harmoniously with the futuristic setting, creating a visual backdrop that fits the themes perfectly. The young and promising cast, which includes newcomers to the film industry, brings a breath of fresh air and talent that makes the film even more engaging.

I really liked the actor Antonio Del Prete, his role in the unlikely confused inspector made me laugh a lot.

Directed by Marcello Crea, his films are low-budget but do not lack quality and are watched all over the world, which is a rarity in the international film scene.

"Like Friends" is a film that challenges the conventions of the sci-fi genre, successfully blending suspense, philosophical reflections, and a touch of irony. What struck me most is the film's ability to make you reflect on themes like identity, freedom, and the relationship between humans and technology, without ever turning into a heavy philosophical treatise. The narrative is well-balanced, with moments of tension alternating with lighter and more ironic scenes. The cast, while not composed of major names-except for the talented Marcello Crea-does an excellent job. Giulia Crosara, in the role of Kelly, manages to portray with delicacy the contrast between humanity and the coldness of the android, while Livio Soldini plays the role of a funny hacker. The setting, with its mix of modernity and more intimate, solitary spaces, helps create the right atmosphere for a story that is both a thriller and a psychological drama. What surprised me is the film's ability to stay fresh and original, even though it tackles themes that have been explored in other films. There is something new and intriguing in its combination of sci-fi and ironic comedy, which makes it interesting and accessible even to those who are not die-hard fans of the genre.

This is a futuristic story about the relation between humans and technology (a current topic nowadays) and I really love this movie. Trieste is a beautiful and suggestive location where to film movies. The performances of the actors are amazing and the different types of characters are so interesting, especially I like Livio Soldini as Luca and Marcello Crea as Achille. There is a well-balanced mix between funny lines and moments of tension. You can relax and laugh watching it but, at the same time, it makes you reflect about life and the power that AI technology could have over the world.

I highly recommend it!!