I’m Not Scared
Directed by Gabriele Salvatores.
I’m Not Scared is both a thriller and a family drama. That it succeeds on both counts is primarily due to some heartfelt performances from some child actors, especially our protagonist, Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano). He, his sister, and a few friends live in rural Italy. His father is rarely at home, and without such supervision, they are free to roam the countryside on their bicycles and do as they please. Michele stumbles across a creature hidden in some ruins some distance from their home. It is soon discovered that his father and their friends may be involved, and he struggles with trying to appease his family and doing what he thinks is right.
Everybody is torn in two directions in this film. The boy’s mother clearly wishes to do what’s right for her children, and she puts up with her husband’s failings despite all she has to endure. Michele, and to a lesser extent his sister, cling to their normal Huck Finn way of living as the real world nips at their heels. A real distinction is made between the pure children and the corrupted adults. Some of the children have already been influenced by their immoral superiors — there will be more than one betrayal before the film is over.
The photography is stunning, with beautiful landscapes and emotional close-ups. The ending might be too conventional, but it fails to obscure the emotional message it contains. Aitana Sánchez-Gijón and Dino Abbrescia are excellent as the mother and father, respectively, but the story is told from the children’s viewpoint, and the child actors are up to the task. A poignant tale of lost innocence and corrupted lives.
***1/2 (out of four)
Josh Blackman
