by InTrieste
Paolo Sorrentino’s newest cinematic offering, Parthenope, opened this Thursday in theaters across Italy, marking the celebrated Italian director’s 10th feature film. Known for his hauntingly beautiful storytelling and evocative portrayals of Italy, Sorrentino again returns to his native Naples, following the critical success of his 2021 film, È stata la mano di Dio(The Hand of God).
Set against the scenic backdrops of Naples, the island of Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, Parthenope traces the life of its titular character, named after the siren from Greek mythology who has long been synonymous with the city. The myth of Parthenope—the siren who once tried to lure Odysseus and ultimately perished on the shores of Naples—serves as a potent symbol in the film, infusing the narrative with a sense of eternal longing and melancholy.
The story begins in 1950 with Parthenope’s birth, moving through the decades to the present. Her experiences bring Sorrentino’s Naples to life, offering audiences a meditation on freedom, love, and the deep-rooted connections between a woman and her city. Throughout, Parthenope’s character reflects the contrasts of Naples itself—vibrant yet complicated, ancient yet modernizing.
Two actresses embody Parthenope’s journey across time: newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta portrays her in youth, while Stefania Sandrelli takes on the role in her later years. Also starring Silvio Orlando as Professor Devoto Marotta, who becomes captivated by Parthenope’s intellect, Gary Oldman as the American writer John Cheever, and Luisa Ranieri as the mysterious Greta Cool, Parthenope brings a star-studded cast to the screen.
Debuting to acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in May, Sorrentino’s film has already begun garnering awards buzz. It offers, according to critics, “a sunlit, layered tribute to a city that haunts the heart.”
