Watch LA SAPIENZA

La Sapienza is a 2014 French-Italian drama film directed by Eugène Green, known for his unique style combining neo-baroque features with contemporary themes. The film tells the story of an aging Swiss architect, Alexandre Schmid, who travels to Italy with his wife Aliénor to research Baroque architect Francesco Borromini. Along the way, they meet a young Italian brother and sister, Goffredo and Lavinia, whose lives will change over the course of the film.

The film begins in a jarring manner, with Alexandre struggling to connect with his wife and experiencing writer's block while attempting to write a book about Borromini. Aliénor unexpectedly suggests they travel to Italy, leading to the start of their transformative journey. In Rome, they meet the siblings, who are both seeking answers to their own problems. Goffredo is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his education, while Lavinia grapples with her own feelings of inadequacy and anxieties surrounding her appearance.

As their paths cross, a series of conversations and events transpire that challenge each character's beliefs and ways of thinking. Alexandre, in particular, becomes a mentor figure to the young siblings, sharing his experiences and knowledge about Borromini and the art of architecture. Through him, Goffredo is introduced to the world of sacred geometry and finds new inspiration in his studies. Meanwhile, Lavinia forms a close bond with Aliénor, who serves as a maternal figure and confidante.

The film is beautifully shot, featuring stunning visuals and a unique use of architecture as a means of exploring the characters' inner lives. Although it could be seen as slow-paced, the film's meditative and contemplative nature forces viewers to engage with the complex ideas and themes presented. Through its exploration of art, spirituality, and the human experience, La Sapienza asks profound questions about the nature of creativity and the importance of connection and human relationships in our lives.

The acting in the film is superb, particularly from Fabrizio Rongione as Alexandre, who delivers a nuanced and restrained performance. Christelle Prot also shines as Aliénor, imbuing the character with a warmth and compassion that makes her a standout presence on screen. Ludovico Succio is impressive in his role as the troubled Goffredo, bringing a vulnerability and authenticity to his portrayal.

While La Sapienza can be seen as a celebration of the beauty and complexity of art and architecture, it is ultimately a human story about the power of meaningful relationships and the necessity of self-discovery. Through its exploration of the characters' inner lives and struggles, the film reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in a world that often seems devoid of those qualities. As such, it is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that is sure to stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

LA SAPIENZA is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 74.