ITALIAN STUDIES Trailer
Alex is a film addict, TV aficionado, and book lover.…
A woman loses herself in Italian Studies, the latest from writer/director Adam Leon.
In the film, a woman is wandering the streets of New York City. She doesn’t know her name, where she lives, or any identifying aspects of herself. Adrift, she tries to sort out the mystery, but she also goes along with whatever and whoever comes her way, simultaneously alone and free in a city with ample opportunities.
This looks like a meandering film, which fits with Leon’s previous work. His last film, Tramps, was a low-key rom-com masquerading as a crime film. Sure, the main pair had something to do, but the point was them wandering around NYC being charming. Italian Studies keeps the wandering around the city part, but I doubt the charming part stays. This seems more attune with the unnerving, dangerous aspect of a lone fish in a very big pond, even if nothing is overtly threatening you.
I’m sure Leon’s previous success helped him land Vanessa Kirby as the unknown woman, wh0 should provide a strong anchor for the film. Even in projects that seemingly get away from the filmmakers, like Pieces of a Woman, she consistently turns in performances that make the movies worth watching. Hopefully, this film holds up around her, but if not, at least she’ll be at the center of everything.
Italian Studies is directed by Adam Leon and stars Vanessa Kirby, Simon Brickner, and Maya Hawke. It will be released in the US on January 14th, 2021. Further release dates are not currently known.
Will you check this one out? Let us know in the comments!
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Alex is a film addict, TV aficionado, and book lover. He's perfecting his cat dad energy.