This artful and beguilingly complex film depicts, with an unwaveringly clear lens, the corrupt and violently hierarchical nature of a rural Southern Italian olive growing town in the 1950’s. The film neither succumbs to sentimentality nor does it become strident. Pragmatic yet subtle storytelling, layer upon layer of complexity and intrigue- the plot moves forward as the backstory is revealed. Terrific performances, powerful, spare dialogue. A real pleasure.
