Watch Darker Than Midnight

Darker Than Midnight is a 2014 Italian drama film directed by Sebastiano Riso, starring Davide Capone, Vincenzo Amato, and Lucia Sardo. The movie is a coming-of-age story that follows Davide (played by Capone), a young boy who lives in a rough neighborhood in southern Italy with his mother and her abusive boyfriend. Davide feels trapped and suffocated by his surroundings, and he dreams of breaking free and pursuing his passion for fashion design.

One night, while wandering the streets alone, Davide meets a transgender woman named Katia (played by Vincenzo Amato). Katia takes him under her wing and becomes a mentor and confidante to him, introducing him to a world of self-expression, acceptance, and freedom. With the help of Katia and his best friend Maria (played by Lucia Sardo), Davide begins to explore his identity and pursue his dreams.

As Davide grows more confident and begins to embrace his true self, he faces challenges and obstacles from his mother and her boyfriend as well as from the community at large. The movie tackles themes of gender identity, sexuality, family dynamics, and social injustice, portraying the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to be themselves in a world that often tries to silence or erase them.

The performances in Darker Than Midnight are excellent, especially from Capone who delivers a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of a boy who yearns for a better life. Amato also shines in his role as Katia, an enigmatic and empathetic character who serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Davide. Sardo brings a warmth and humor to her role as Maria, offering comic relief and emotional support to the young protagonist.

The cinematography in the movie is also noteworthy, showcasing the beauty of the Italian landscapes and the grittiness of the urban settings with equal skill. The music is also a standout element, with a mix of Italian pop songs and original score that adds to the film's emotional resonance.

Overall, Darker Than Midnight is a powerful and poignant film that offers a fresh perspective on the struggles and joys of growing up in a world that can be both cruel and beautiful. The movie's message of self-love and acceptance is universal and timely, reminding us all that we are capable of overcoming the darkness that surrounds us and finding the light within ourselves.

Darker Than Midnight is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.