Maschile singolare

What a beautiful film story. And yes finally, a film made on gay characters who really project real life stories and do not reproduce the stereotype of a troubling gay life. On the contrary, it is about people who enjoy life, make mistakes, hurt and lough a lot, and they do it all in their own unique way.

This is totally different from your average romance, or a story of a wedding that falls apart. This is about two young men who cannot make it work out any more and try to navigate themselves through a divorce, which makes them revise all things, they took for granted. In the end life finds the way, but the journey in which the film takes us upon, is the real pleasure.

So what have we here? "Mascarpone" is an Italian LGBTQ+ remake of "An Unmarried Woman", (well, perhaps not but we are in the same ballpark), as Antonio is dumped by his husband and partner of 12 years. For the rest of the movie he's basically having sex with a number of handsome hunks presumably in the hope that one of them will turn out to be Mr. Right. What little spare time he has he spends baking and looking for the perfect Mascarpone recipe until finally he realizes....

Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it. It's obvious the attractive cast were picked for their looks and not their acting abilities though the screenplay does provide a few laugh-out-loud moments. On the one hand, too explicit for mass consumption and on the other too coy, (no full frontals), for its intended audience so it's unlikely to find a market. Not bad exactly, just a bit ho-hum.

This film out of Italy deals with a man's fork in the road as he turns 30, uncertain of what his path forward is. Antonio, who has been in a relationship since high school with Lorenzo, is in for a rude awakening when he's suddenly thrust into the uncertain world of 'single hood' after Lorenzo unceremoniously dumps him after 12 years. Antonio didn't see this coming. He's now on his own, feeling his way without the life tools he didn't learn having been sheltered for so long. He meets some interesting characters along the way. Denis, though very different, becomes his closest friend, helping him to find work and a place to live. Through him, he meets Luca, a bakery owner who hires Antonio since he has expressed a strong interest and talent in baking. The writing is very good, as are the direction and acting. The three main characters blend well together despite their very opposite backgrounds and natures. They support each other and help Antonio to finally grow up and cast his own shadow rather than being in other people's. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, especially the interplay between the characters who grow to love each other.

This picture is somewhat reminiscent of 1978's 'An Unmarried Woman' with Jill Clayburgh similar to that film's Antonio. The ending scene of 'Mascarpone' especially reminded me of that '78 movie. Bravo!

"Mascarpone" is a gay masterpiece; I have not seen a film like this in a very long time. Contrary to the general consensus, I believe the rating should be way higher. This film excels where most gay films fall short: character development. Every character is fully fleshed out, making their journeys deeply engaging and relatable.

Italy has been bringing some serious gay cinema lately, and "Mascarpone" is a prime example. The movie is superb, and our community needs more films like this. The story is heartfelt, the direction is impeccable, and Lorenzo Adorni is simply gorgeous. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking quality gay cinema.

This is a lovely Italian romantic comedy about a "kept" young gay man who quits a relationship and gains a whole new career and lease on life. Very handsome actors and a sex/love positive message, it is a gay valentine. You will have to see the film to know what mascarpone is. Well, I didn't know. I have watched it three times. A keeper. The anglicized name is Mascarpone in case you have trouble finding it.