AMANDA

2022 / 94 min / color

Loneliness is a topic frequently taken up by filmmakers, regardless of their professional background or where they come from. In her feature-length debut, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, Italian filmmaker Carolina Cavalli tells a bittersweet story about the universality of this condition. The title character (played by Benedetta Porcaroli) is 24 years old and has had feelings of loneliness for as long as she can remember. This applies both to her family of origin, in which no one is particularly close to her, and to relationships with her peer group — not to mention the boyfriend she has never had. Amanda’s biggest dream is to finally feel important to someone and to be able to share the ups and downs of everyday life with them. The chance appears unexpectedly in the person of Rebecca, a childhood friend Amanda had lost touch with. This might be Amanda’s last chance, and she’ll do anything to convince Rebecca that they’re still best friends. Cavalli’s film is inspired by the works of Wes Anderson and Paolo Sorrentino, especially in its tone, which combines sadness with gentle irony.

• Villerupt FF – Best Film