‘La Grazia’ reunites a dependable Italian duo for a rumination on the end of a political career

by

As a movie fan, I really appreciate those director-actor pairings that just click – you know, like Kurosawa and Mifune, or Scorsese and De Niro. It seems like we’ve got another one brewing with Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone. And we should definitely talk about Paolo Sorrentino and Toni Servillo. They’ve been making movies together for almost 25 years, starting with Sorrentino’s debut, and now they’re at their seventh film together, a political drama called “La Grazia” (or “Grace”). It’s amazing to see that kind of creative partnership last so long!

I’ve noticed a fascinating pattern in Paolo Sorrentino’s films – he really loves exploring power, and especially how it affects the people who wield it. It seems Toni Servillo is his go-to guy for playing leaders! “La Grazia” is actually the third time Sorrentino has cast Servillo as a head of state. I first noticed it with “Il Divo” back in 2008, where he played Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, and then again in the fun, over-the-top “Loro” where he tackled the role of Silvio Berlusconi. It’s become something of a signature for the director, and I’m always curious to see how he approaches these stories.

Unlike the director’s previous films, which focused on real and controversial people, the main character in “La Grazia” is made up. However, he still faces difficult and sensitive problems. This leads to a more thoughtful and serious look at ethics in power, a departure from the flashy violence of “Il Divo” and the sensationalism of “Loro.”

Ten years after his visually stunning, Oscar-winning film “The Great Beauty” (featuring a remarkable performance by Toni Servillo), director Paolo Sorrentino continues to prioritize beautiful imagery. However, his new film, “La Grazia,” feels more subdued and serious. The film relies heavily on the inherent dignity of Servillo portraying a man facing irrelevance, and that, combined with the cinematography, provides all the emotional depth the story needs.

Movies

As a critic, I’m seeing a really interesting mix of films heading our way to close out 2025. We’ve got potential Oscar heavyweights like “Marty Supreme,” with Timothée Chalamet leading the charge, but also some fun, nostalgic picks like a brand new take on “Anaconda.” Honestly, it looks like there’s something for every moviegoer this December!

Mariano De Santis, played by Servillo, is nearing the end of his term as president. While his daughter, Dorotea (played by a fantastic Anna Ferzetti), encourages him to improve his health, his impending retirement feels more significant than just leaving office. As he walks the halls of the Palazzo del Quirinale, the stately presidential palace in Rome, he thoughtfully considers what comes next.

De Santis is dealing with a lot. He’s a widower still deeply in love with his late wife and haunted by her past affair, an affair he’s trying to uncover despite his friend Coco’s reluctance to share what she knows. On top of that, his trusted advisor, Dorotea, is urging him to consider granting clemency to two men convicted of killing their spouses – cases that will challenge his sense of justice. And even though he’s a devout Catholic with a good relationship with the Pope, he’s also struggling with whether to approve legislation legalizing euthanasia.

It’s funny, you wouldn’t expect a film dealing with such serious stuff to feel like a break from reality. But honestly, looking at the news lately, seeing a leader who’s really thinking things through, being honest about their own feelings, acting with kindness and showing genuine care – it almost feels like watching a fairytale. Sorrentino, who clearly loves beauty and feeling, does offer some lighter moments too. There’s this one visual thing near the end, a really imaginative way of showing someone carrying a lot of weight, and it’s so unique – I don’t think anyone but him could have pulled it off.

Ultimately, this film showcases a strong collaboration between the director and star, though perhaps not as assuredly as in their past work, it’s still remarkably intelligent. Servillo delivers a truly magnificent performance, portraying a reserved and experienced politician who carefully manages both his knowledge and his hidden feelings—even displaying a surprising interest in rap music. His acting is so masterful it could fill one of the character’s many law books. The film’s title, “La Grazia” (The Grace), isn’t just about something often missing in politics; it perfectly captures Servillo’s presence in every single scene.

Read More

2025-12-13 20:31