Dieci minuti

This is a serious psychological film about depression, and you should be up for this if you want to see it. Bianca is left by her husband, who accuses her to not having seen that he is unhappy. Neither has she realised that he has cheated on her (without much effort to hide it). The loss of her marriage drives her into depression. She sees a psychologist who suggests that before every session she does something for ten minutes that she has never done before. The official blurb of the film focuses on this ten minutes exercise a bit too exclusively, maybe raising wrong expectations about what to expect from them. But in any case this is a nice and original concept to be explored in this film. Maybe something to try out for yourself. The film is low key, well thought through, credible, and sensitive. The story is fairly simple but holds some surprise. It has some darkness, but also the odd fun moment and an ultimately positive message. The film is well acted, particularly Barbara Ronchi as Bianca gives an excellent performance. This is a film focusing on women (BIanca's sister and Dr. Braibanti, the psychologist, have most screen time apart from Bianca herself) done by a female director, but it isn't a feminist film (I say this just because some feminists may have an issue with a part of the film's "message" - or maybe not... still trying to figure out why this fine film currently stands at just 6.0.).

Dieci minuti, directed by Maria Sole Tognazzi, offers a gentle exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. The story follows Bianca (Margherita Buy), a woman navigating an existential crisis who embarks on a transformative journey by dedicating just ten minutes a day to something new. While the film's concept is intriguing, its execution is uneven, though not without moments of charm.

Margherita Buy delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Bianca's vulnerability and resilience with her signature grace. Barbara Ronchi provides strong support, bringing warmth and relatability to the film's quieter moments. Together, they create an authentic emotional core that grounds the story.

Maria Sole Tognazzi's direction is understated, focusing on the subtleties of daily life rather than grandiose gestures. While this approach suits the introspective nature of the narrative, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, and the script, co-written with Francesca Archibugi, occasionally leans on predictable resolutions.

Visually, the film is elegant, with warm cinematography that enhances its contemplative tone. However, the thematic exploration of reinvention and self-care lacks the depth needed to make a more profound impact.

Dieci minuti is a modestly inspiring film that reminds us of the power of small changes. It doesn't break new ground, but it offers enough heart to resonate with viewers seeking an introspective, feel-good experience.

6/10 - a thoughtful but somewhat uneven story of personal transformation.