Parthenope (2024) by Paolo Sorrentino

Detailed Summary: “Parthenope” is a film that explores the life of Parthenope, a woman born in the sea of Naples in 1950, as she searches for happiness throughout the long summers of her youth. The story follows her journey as she falls in love with her home city and encounters a multitude of memorable characters. The film delves into themes of youth, beauty, the fleeting nature of desire, and the intoxicating allure of the Mediterranean coast, all while examining the experience of being desired and living under the male gaze. Parthenope’s life unfolds from the 1950s to the present day, showcasing a series of adventures against the enchanting backdrop of Naples.

Plot Summary: Parthenope’s life begins with her birth in the waters of Naples in 1950. The film follows her through her formative years, where her beauty captivates many. As she grows into a young woman in the 1970s, Parthenope becomes an intelligent and cheeky individual aware of her allure. She navigates relationships with various men, including Sandrino, who has always loved her, and Raimondo, her brother, who develops an intense obsession with her. Academically, she pursues anthropology under the demanding Professor Devoto Marotta. The film continues to follow Parthenope through different stages of her life, showcasing her search for happiness and her encounters with the vibrant characters of Naples.

Director’s Vision: Paolo Sorrentino aims to portray his childhood home, Naples, as a lively and vibrant city, open to the sea. Through the character of Parthenope, he continues this portrayal of the city’s charms, exploring the beauty and contradictions of Naples through the eyes of a young woman. Sorrentino’s vision is to create an intimate fresco where love, time, and memory intersect, reflecting themes dear to his heart such as nostalgia, identity, and the weight of the past. He employs his characteristic visual style, full of symbolism and saturated colors, alternating between wide shots of the city and more intimate, surreal sequences, with music playing a key role in the narrative.

• Youth and Beauty: The film prominently explores the experience of possessing great beauty and the fleeting nature of youth, particularly how it shapes perceptions and opportunities for the protagonist.

• Desire and the Male Gaze: Parthenope’s beauty captivates the men around her, and the film examines the impact of being desired and the societal pressures placed on young women.

• Love and Relationships: The film follows Parthenope’s various romantic entanglements and connections, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.

• Identity and Self-Discovery: Parthenope’s journey can be seen as a quest for self-understanding and happiness amidst the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of Naples.

• Time and Memory: As the film spans several decades, it reflects on the passage of time and how memories shape our lives.

• Paolo Sorrentino’s Renowned Directorial Style: Sorrentino’s signature Fellinian, surreal, and visually stunning approach is a significant draw for audiences.

• The Enchanting Setting of Naples: The city itself becomes a character in the film, with Sorrentino’s masterful portrayal of its beauty and atmosphere.

• The Charismatic Lead Performance: Celeste Dalla Porta’s portrayal of Parthenope is central to the film’s allure.

• Exploration of Universal Themes: The film delves into timeless themes of love, beauty, youth, and the search for happiness.

• Recognition at the Cannes Film Festival: Being selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at Cannes brought the film international attention and prestige.

Summary Short: Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope” follows a woman’s life from her birth in Naples in 1950 through decades of love, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the captivating Italian city.

Awards and Nominations: “Parthenope” was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and won the CST Artist – Technician Prize for cinematographer Daria D’Antonio at the same festival. It was also nominated for the Golden Camera 300 at the International Cinematographers’ Film Festival Manaki Brothers and for the Audience Award at the Aegean Film Festival. The film received 15 nominations at the David di Donatello Awards, including Best Film.

Critics Reception: Critics have had a mixed to average response to “Parthenope.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 44% positive rating based on 79 reviews, with the consensus criticizing the film for being “equal parts sumptuous and vapid” and finding Sorrentino “out of his depth.” Metacritic assigned it a score of 52 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Some critics dismissed the film as self-parody and narratively weak, while others found moments of beauty but criticized its lack of substance.

• Screen Rant: Found the film to be quietly reflective, a bit weird and vague, and an intriguing exploration of roads taken and not taken.

• Metacritic: Summarized several reviews, with Variety noting its nostalgic feeling and focus on coming-to-oneself, while Screen Daily criticized the objectification of the protagonist and the prioritization of visuals over narrative.

• IMDb User Reviews: Show a range of opinions, with some finding it looking only for the best shots and poetic quotes at the expense of a cohesive story.

• Hyperreal Film Club: Criticized the film for failing to explore its protagonist beyond chronicling events and not capturing her perspective, ultimately finding it repelling.

• Screen Daily (Cannes Review): Described it as lush and sensual but with a male gaze so intense it feels like a circus act, lacking the reality of Sorrentino’s previous work.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: “Parthenope” has received a mixed reception from critics. While praised for its visual beauty and Celeste Dalla Porta’s performance, many found the narrative to be loose, the protagonist underdeveloped, and the film ultimately lacking in substance, feeling like a repetition of Sorrentino’s previous themes and mannerisms.

Box Office: “Parthenope” has grossed $302,801 domestically and $9,754,240 internationally, for a worldwide total of $10,057,041 according to The Numbers.

Production: “Parthenope” is an Italian-French co-production written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. It was produced by The Apartment Pictures (a Fremantle Company) and Pathé, in association with Numero 10, Saint Laurent, and PiperFilm. 1  Filming took place between Naples and Capri.   

• Pathé (France) – handled international sales.

• A24 (USA) – acquired North American distribution rights.

• PiperFilm (Italy, through Warner Bros. Entertainment Italia) – Italian distribution.

• PiperFilm (Italy, through Warner Bros. Entertainment Italia)

• Pathé Distribution (France)

• A24 (USA)

• Theatrical Release: The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024. It was released in Italy on October 24, 2024, in the USA on February 7, 2025, and in France on March 12, 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For Fans of Paolo Sorrentino’s Work: It showcases his signature visual style, surreal elements, and exploration of Italian culture.

• If You Appreciate Visually Stunning Cinema: The film is praised for its lush cinematography and beautiful depiction of Naples and Capri.

• For the Central Performance of Celeste Dalla Porta: Her portrayal of Parthenope has been noted as a highlight.

• If You Enjoy Films That Ponder Themes of Beauty, Youth, and the Passage of Time: These are central to Sorrentino’s narrative.

• To Experience Sorrentino’s Unique Artistic Vision: His films are known for their distinctive style and often dreamlike quality.

• To See a Portrait of Naples Through the Eyes of a Local Master: Sorrentino offers a personal and vibrant depiction of his hometown.

• For a Film That Has Garnered Attention at International Film Festivals: Its selection at Cannes indicates its significance in contemporary cinema.

• If You’re Interested in a Film That Provokes Contemplation on Existential Themes: Sorrentino often explores deeper questions about life and human nature.

What Movie Trend film is following:

• Auteur Cinema: It is a highly personal and stylistically distinctive work from an established director.

• Films Exploring Themes of Beauty and Mortality: These themes have been prevalent in art cinema.

• International Co-productions: It is a collaboration between Italian and French production companies.

What Big Social Trend is following:

• Continued Interest in Films Exploring Female Perspectives: While debated in this case, the film centers on the life of a woman across several decades.

• Nostalgia for Past Eras: Set primarily in the latter half of the 20th century, it may appeal to those interested in this period.

Final Verdict: “Parthenope” is a visually opulent and stylistically distinct film from Paolo Sorrentino that offers a journey through the life of a captivating woman in Naples. While it showcases Sorrentino’s signature cinematic flair and boasts a strong central performance, critics have found the narrative lacking in depth and at times self-indulgent. Ultimately, it may appeal most strongly to fans of Sorrentino’s previous work who appreciate his aesthetic and thematic preoccupations.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Develop a Strong Narrative Core to Support Visual Spectacle: While visual artistry is important, ensuring the story resonates emotionally is crucial.

• Explore Themes from a Fresh and Engaging Perspective: Avoid simply repeating familiar tropes or personal obsessions without offering new insights.

• Ensure the Protagonist’s Inner Life and Motivations Are Well-Developed: Allowing the audience to connect with and understand the central character is essential for emotional impact.

• Consider the Balance Between Personal Vision and Audience Engagement: While auteur films often reflect a director’s unique style, finding a way to connect with viewers can broaden their reach.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Continue to Support Established Auteur Directors: Their distinctive voices contribute to the richness of global cinema.

• Invest in International Co-productions: These collaborations can bring diverse perspectives and resources to filmmaking.

• Recognize the Importance of Strong Storytelling Alongside Visual Grandeur: Films that excel in both areas often have the most lasting impact.

• Facilitate Distribution for Films That Have a Strong Visual Identity and Explore Meaningful Themes: These films can find a dedicated audience in art house theaters and on streaming platforms.