I Am Alive (Sono Viva)

What’s it about?
I wondered what on earth I was letting myself in for when I read the synopsis which said this was a film about a man who agrees to guard a dead woman (Silvia) for one night in an isolated Villa. I was completely unprepared for such an emotionally intense film, where a man (Rocco) completely out of control of his life, finally finds purpose. There is immense chaos and resentment simmering below the surface of the Resti family which comes to a head immediately after Silvia’s death; Rocco takes control of the lives of three generations of the family and does his best to resolve their emotional scars. And in doing so you feel he finds the strength to fight back against all the misfortune life has been dealing him.

Highs n lows
Massimo De Santis gives a very strong performance as Rocco, carrying the entire film almost on his own, you immediately engage with his put upon character. He often manages to convey a multitude of thoughts and feelings in silence, gesture and body language alone sufficing to tell you this is a man at the end of his rope. Dark and moody cinematography mirrors the tone set by De Santis, which is lifted by an engaging script, always with the underlying threat of violence and a surprise at every turn. Very enjoyable.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 (Italian with English subtitles)