Reviewed by Neil Davey
Stars Kim Rossi Stuart, Barbora Bobulova, Alessandro Morace, Marta Nobili, Roberta Paladini,
Sebastiano Tiraboschi, Francesco Benedetto | Written by Linda Ferri, Federico Starnone & Kim Rossi Stuart
UK certification 15 | UK RRP £19.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 106 minutes | Directed by Kim Rossi Stuart
Like 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days, Libero (nope, no idea why the name's been so abbreviated) does not have the sort of plot that makes the mouth water. It's not quite a coming-of-age story — the main character Tommi (Morace) is still a year or two away from that stage — and it's not exactly what you'd call original with its pre-pubescent fumblings and single parent struggling theme. But there's something mesmerising at work here, the sort of magic that springs from one key element: truth. The low-key approach and heartstopping realism on display here is akin to the feel of In The Bedroom and, indeed, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days. It's like being dropped into a family home to peep at the troubles within. If that sounds bleak, well yes, it often is. But it's astonishing and, while it leaves a certain lingering bitterness, there is a hint of hope that Tommi has become stonger because of what he's been put through.
Tommi is the 11-year old son of freelance cameraman Renato (writer and director Stuart), and the younger brother of Viola (Nobili). Their mother Stefania (Bobulova) has left some time before and Renato is struggling to keep things together. There is clearly a bond between the three but Renato is prone to 'tough love' or, perhaps, more accurately, losing his rag. His temper is clearly based in the circumstances of his life but, for a struggling, lonely 11-year old, it's hard to bear whatever the reason. And then Stefania returns... However, instead of the salvation it might have been, the deeper reasons behind her departure slowly become apparent.
Single parents, adolescent pangs and mental illness: woo, there's a winning combination. But look beyond the shorthand and you'll find all sorts of pleaures within, chiefly down to Stuart's assured direction and the quality of the performances, particularly young Morace. Libero is a little piece of simple, believable beauty.
EXTRAS *** An interview with writer/director Kim Rossi Stuart, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, screen tests and a stills gallery.