Director: Paolo Sorrentino; Italy 2025; Italian; 133 min. Rated: PG
The President of Italy, Mariano De Santis, a staunch Catholic and experienced jurist, begins the last 6 months of his presidency and is conflicted about whether he should sign into law a bill legalizing euthanasia, and at the same time must consider the pardon petitions of two individuals who murdered their partners before the end of his term
Winner of the Brian Award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Nominated for the Golden Lion Award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival
What follows, though, is a slyly funny study of a quietly passionate man whose obsession with his late wife inspires a last minute desire to leave a lasting political legacy, one characterised by decency and compassion, not megalomania. AH Alistair Harkness – Scotsman
This is a classy, deeply engrossing offering, perhaps best appreciated by those fascinated by what the ethical deployment of political power has come to mean in the present day. Yet another fine work from Italian writer-director Paolo Sorrentino.. …..Leigh Paatsch – Daily Telegraph (Australia)