Fuori (2025) by Mario Martone

Description: “Fuori” (meaning “Outside” in Italian) is an upcoming Italian-French co-production, a biographical drama directed by the acclaimed Italian auteur Mario Martone. The film offers a compelling, non-linear exploration of a pivotal chapter in the life of the iconic and unconventional Italian writer Goliarda Sapienza. Inspired by her autobiographical novel “L’università di Rebibbia” (The University of Rebibbia), the film centers on Sapienza’s brief but transformative incarceration in Rome’s Rebibbia prison in 1980 for jewel theft. There, she forges unexpected and profound bonds with a group of young female inmates, experiences that ultimately rekindle her desire to live and write, transforming her perception of freedom and creativity.

Release Date on Streaming: As “Fuori” is a very recent theatrical release, its streaming availability will follow standard distribution windows. Specific streaming dates for Italy or other international markets are not yet announced, but it is expected to become available on Italian platforms several months after its cinema run.

• Italy: May 22, 2025

• France: December 3, 2025 (following its Cannes premiere)

• Festival Premiere: May 20, 2025, in Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

Detailed Summary: In 1980 Rome, Goliarda Sapienza, a celebrated writer, faces a personal crisis and professional rejection, leading her to an unexpected incarceration for jewel theft. Her time in Rebibbia prison, initially a confinement, transforms into a unique and profound “university” of life. Goliarda, brought to life by Valeria Golino, connects deeply with a diverse group of young female inmates, notably the rebellious Roberta (Matilda De Angelis) and a character portrayed by singer Elodie. Through shared vulnerability, raw conversations, and moments of solidarity, these intense bonds begin to chip away at Goliarda’s disillusionment. Martone employs a non-linear narrative, interweaving scenes from her time inside prison with moments from the summer following her release, vividly portraying how these authentic, unadorned relationships outside societal norms ultimately rekindle her creative spirit and redefine her understanding of what it means to be truly free.

• Writer’s Crisis & Incarceration: In 1980 Rome, acclaimed writer Goliarda Sapienza, experiencing professional frustration, is unexpectedly imprisoned for jewel theft.

• Transformative Prison Bonds: Inside Rebibbia, she forms deep and unexpected connections with a group of young female inmates, learning from their raw honesty.

• Rebirth of Spirit & Creativity: These profound relationships rekindle Sapienza’s passion for life and reignite her desire to write, providing a new perspective on her art.

• Redefining Freedom: Her prison experience and the lasting bonds reshape her understanding of freedom, transcending physical walls and societal expectations.

Director’s Vision: Mario Martone’s vision for “Fuori” is to create an intimate and unconventional biographical portrait of Goliarda Sapienza’s fiercely independent spirit. He aims to explore themes of female vulnerability, solidarity, and the redefinition of freedom through the crucible of a prison experience. Martone, known for his distinctive “jazz-cinema” approach, utilizes a non-linear narrative and evocative visuals to reflect Sapienza’s inner transformation and the profound, almost spiritual, liberation she finds, emphasizing that authentic human connection can flourish even in confinement.

• Freedom vs. Confinement: Explores the paradox that true personal and artistic freedom can be discovered and cultivated even within the strictures of physical imprisonment.

• Female Solidarity & Empowerment: Highlights the powerful, supportive bonds forged between women in marginalized or confined circumstances, creating a sense of shared strength and resilience.

• Rebirth & Artistic Inspiration: Depicts a profound personal and creative transformation, showing how extreme adversity can unexpectedly lead to a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh wellspring for artistic expression.

• The Artist’s Journey: Delves into the often tumultuous process of artistic creation and the unconventional sources from which genuine inspiration can spring, using Sapienza’s unique path as an example.

• Defiance & Non-Conformism: Celebrates Goliarda Sapienza’s strong, rebellious spirit and her unwavering refusal to adhere to societal norms, both in her life and her controversial writing.

• Compelling Source Material: The film draws from Goliarda Sapienza’s honest and vivid autobiographical writings, providing a rich, complex, and deeply human foundation for the narrative.

• Mario Martone’s Acclaimed Direction: As a veteran Italian director, Martone brings his sophisticated artistic vision, intellectual depth, and unique stylistic choices, elevating the film’s cinematic quality and appeal.

• Powerful Female Cast: Features formidable performances from Valeria Golino, Matilda De Angelis, and Elodie, whose collective chemistry and individual portrayals provide the film’s strong emotional core and driving force.

• Universal & Timeless Themes: Despite its specific historical setting, the film’s exploration of freedom, human connection, and resilience against adversity are universal concepts that resonate deeply with audiences across cultures.

Summary Short: “Fuori” (2025) is an Italian-French biographical drama by Mario Martone. It chronicles writer Goliarda Sapienza’s transformative 1980 prison experience, where bonds with inmates like Roberta (Matilda De Angelis) reignite her passion for life and writing. Starring Valeria Golino and Elodie, it premiered in Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival (May 20, 2025) and releases in Italy on May 22, 2025.

Critics Reception: Initial critical reception for “Fuori” at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 has been mixed to positive, with critics acknowledging its artistic ambition and strong performances, though some found its narrative structure challenging.

• Screen Daily (Lee Marshall): Noted the film is “sometimes engaging, sometimes self-indulgent,” but highlighted “Golino’s impassioned performance” and the “crackling chemistry between Golino and De Angelis.” Marshall appreciated Martone’s “jazz-cinema techniques” for leading to “a kind of celebration.”

• The Hollywood Reporter (Stephen Dalton): Described it as a “fragmented, impressionistic biopic” and “a character study rather than a conventional drama.” Dalton praised Golino’s portrayal as a “force of nature,” while also noting the film could be “bewildering” at times.

• TheWrap (Chase Hutchinson): Was more critical, arguing the film was “frustratingly closed off from its central figure” due to a “shallow script” that prevented it from “coming together into a compelling whole.”

• Overall Summary: While there is widespread praise for the powerful lead performances and Martone’s distinctive artistic vision, critics are divided on the effectiveness of its non-linear narrative and its overall accessibility.

Reviews: As of its Cannes premiere, early reviews are emerging from major film publications:

• Variety (Peter Debruge): Described the film as a “heartfelt tribute to the subversive spirit of Goliarda Sapienza,” praising Golino’s compelling performance. Debruge suggested the film functions more effectively as a character study than a plot-driven narrative.

• Movieplayer.it (Valentina Ariete): An Italian review that lauded the “magical” chemistry between Golino and De Angelis, celebrating the film’s nuanced and complex portrayal of Sapienza’s unconventional life.

• Screen Daily’s Cannes Jury Grid: “Fuori” received varied scores from a wider panel of international critics, indicating a polarizing but thought-provoking reception within the festival circuit.

• Overall Summary: Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional acting, particularly the intense chemistry between Golino and De Angelis. However, the film’s unconventional narrative structure and focus on internal states have led to a range of critical interpretations, with some finding it highly rewarding and others finding it elusive.

Box Office: “Fuori (2025)” is set for its theatrical release in Italy on May 22, 2025. Box office figures are not yet available. As an art-house drama premiering at a major festival, its commercial performance will be significantly influenced by critical reception and festival buzz.

Production: “Fuori (2025)” is an Italian-French co-production. This biographical drama has a runtime of 115 minutes and is presented in color with its original language being Italian. The screenplay was crafted by Mario Martone himself, in collaboration with Ippolita Di Majo. Filming took place in Rome, authentically recreating the 1980s setting and prison environment.

• Valeria Golino as Goliarda Sapienza

• Matilda De Angelis as Roberta

• Elodie (Italian singer and actress)

• Corrado Fortuna

• Antonio Gerardi

• Francesco Gheghi

• Indigo Film: (Italy)

• The Apartment (a Fremantle Company): (Italy)

• Rai Cinema: (Italy) – The film arm of Italy’s national broadcaster.

• SRAB Films: (France)

• Le Pacte Production: (France)

• For an Unconventional Biopic Approach: Instead of a straightforward life story, the film delves into a pivotal, transformative period of writer Goliarda Sapienza’s life, offering a unique and deeply insightful exploration of how adversity can lead to profound personal and artistic change.

• To Experience Mario Martone’s Distinctive Artistic Vision: Martone is a celebrated Italian auteur known for his intellectual rigor and sophisticated filmmaking. His signature non-linear “jazz-cinema” style creates a challenging yet highly rewarding cinematic experience, inviting viewers to engage deeply with complex themes and character journeys.

• For Powerhouse Female Performances: The film boasts an exceptional cast led by Valeria Golino, who embodies Goliarda Sapienza with remarkable depth. Alongside the dynamic Matilda De Angelis and compelling Elodie, these actresses deliver powerful performances that explore complex relationships, vulnerability, and resilience within a confined world.

• To Engage with Universal Themes of Freedom and Connection: Despite its specific historical and geographical setting (1980s Rome prison), “Fuori” explores timeless ideas of what it means to be truly free, the unexpected places where authentic human connection can be found, and the transformative power of shared experience, making it deeply resonant for any audience.

• As a Highly Anticipated Cannes Competition Entry: The film’s selection for the main competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival immediately signals its artistic merit and importance. Being a Cannes contender places it among the most talked-about and critically scrutinized films of the year, making it a must-see for those interested in the cutting edge of international cinema.

• If you appreciate sophisticated European dramas: Martone’s work consistently exemplifies intelligent, art-house cinema.

• To see Valeria Golino in a powerful lead role: She delivers a nuanced performance as the complex literary figure, Goliarda Sapienza.

• For a fresh take on a writer’s life: It offers a unique focus on transformation and inspiration rather than a conventional chronological biopic.

• If you are drawn to stories of female solidarity: The intense bonds formed between women in prison provide a compelling and moving narrative.

• To be part of the international film conversation: As a major contender at Cannes, it’s a significant event in the global film calendar that will spark discussion.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Unconventional Biographical Dramas: The film breaks from traditional linear biopics, choosing to explore a specific, transformative period of a subject’s life rather than a comprehensive chronological account. It also firmly aligns with author-driven European art cinema, where the director’s unique artistic vision and intellectual engagement with themes are central to the film’s identity.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: The film taps into the growing contemporary interest in re-evaluating and celebrating marginalized or overlooked historical female figures, particularly artists and intellectuals like Goliarda Sapienza, whose work and lives often defied societal norms. It also speaks to the broader societal focus on mental and emotional resilience in adversity, highlighting how individuals find strength and renewed purpose even in profoundly challenging circumstances. The themes of female empowerment and solidarity resonate strongly with current movements advocating for women’s rights and mutual support.

Final Verdict: “Fuori (2025)” is an artistically ambitious and highly anticipated film from Mario Martone, solidified by its selection for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Competition. It offers a complex and deeply resonant exploration of writer Goliarda Sapienza’s transformative journey through imprisonment and unexpected human connection. While its non-linear style may lead to mixed critical initial reception, the film is undoubtedly propelled by powerful performances, especially from Valeria Golino, and Martone’s distinctive directorial vision. “Fuori” is an essential watch for cinephiles and those seeking a thought-provoking, emotionally rich, and artfully crafted cinematic experience.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Embrace Ambitious Narrative Structures: Don’t shy away from complex, non-linear storytelling if it deepens character insight and thematic complexity, trusting the audience to engage with a layered approach.

• Focus on Internal Transformation: Explore profound character development through psychological and emotional journeys, even if external plot points are less conventional, allowing for intimate portraits.

• Cultivate Strong Ensemble Dynamics: Invest in directing actors to create authentic, compelling chemistry between characters, as the emotional bonds within a cast can be a powerful driving force for the narrative.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Continue Supporting Auteur Voices: Actively fund and champion established directors with unique artistic visions who push cinematic boundaries and contribute significantly to film as an art form.

• Promote Diverse Historical Narratives: Seek out and greenlight projects about overlooked or unconventional historical figures, especially women, whose lives offer rich and complex insights into society and art.

• Leverage Festival Prestige: Utilize the platform of major film festivals like Cannes to generate early critical buzz and secure wider international distribution for artistically ambitious films.

Final Conclusions: “Fuori (2025)” is a significant and emotionally charged film that underscores Mario Martone’s prowess as a director. Fresh from its Cannes premiere, it promises a profound and challenging exploration of freedom, human connection, and artistic rebirth through the lens of Goliarda Sapienza’s extraordinary life. This film stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to tell deeply human stories that resonate far beyond their specific settings, offering a rich and thought-provoking experience for discerning audiences.