The Hand of God

Dec 19: Original Italian version with French subtitles

For his latest feature, Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo, La Grande Bellezza) revisits his own late-80s youth for a nostalgic turn in his hometown of Naples. The “hand of God,” of course, refers to the legendary Diego Maradona, whose addition to the local football team seems almost a miracle to gawky, self-conscious teen Fabietto. Featuring a pageant of eccentric characters (with the marvellous Toni Servillo leading the pack as the exuberantly adulterous dad), this beguiling yet unforgiving coming-of-age tale bears its director’s every hallmark: in-your-face style, hilarious set pieces and a strong undercurrent of devastating tragedy. Sorrentino signs his most nakedly personal, moving film to date. – Text written for Festival du nouveau cinéma

*Venice Film Festival 2021

*Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC) 2021