EIFF 2013: Il Futuro (The Future)

Film Review by jamie@theskinny.co.uk | 28 Jun 2013
Film title: Il Futuro (The Future)
Director: Alicia Scherson
Starring: Manuela Martelli, Rutger Hauer, Luigi Ciardo, Alessandro Giallocosta, Nicolas Vaporidis

Chilean writer-director Alicia Scherson’s languid coming-of-age tale follows Roman teens Bianca (Martelli) and Tomas (Ciardo), who are thrust toward the unknown after the death of their mother and father in a car wreck. When weedy Tomas, who seeks physical enhancement as a validation of his adulthood, moves two slightly older lug heads (Vaporidis and Giallocosta) from his local gym into the family home, a plan develops to rob reclusive neighbourhood legend and former B movie star Maciste (Hauer). Big sis Bianca is the honey in this particular trap.

The first half, featuring just the younger characters, is witty and cutely observed as the siblings adjust to a world without proper grown-ups. Latterly, Martelli and Hauer’s scenes in Maciste’s cavernous Gothic mansion offer surprising tenderness when things could get very sleazy indeed. The former, redolent of a Betty Blue-era Béatrice Dalle, brings smouldering sexuality and emotional vulnerability to Bianca’s search for a future and identity. Hauer, absolutely superb, exudes sadness and longing as a hulking, damaged man grasping at the past.

Il Futuro screens at this year's Edinburgh International film Festival

27 June, 20:45 at Filmhouse 2

28 June, 20:20 at Filmhouse 1