Gerber Syndrome is a 2011 Italian fantasy drama directed by Alessandro ANtonacci, inspired by a novel by Massimo Foglia. The film stars Valentina Bartolo, Elisabetta Fischer, and Pia Lanciotti, portraying three women in different stages of life, bound by a unique disease. The film takes place in a small city in Italy, where a strange phenomenon is affecting women of all ages. The Gerber Syndrome, as it's called, is a mysterious illness that spreads rapidly among the female population, causing them to have strange visions and uncontrollable outbursts.
Olga (Bartolo) is a young woman who has just moved to the city with her boyfriend. She begins to feel the effects of the Gerber Syndrome, and her relationship with her partner starts to deteriorate. Meanwhile, Ada (Fischer) is a middle-aged woman who works as a nurse and has been infected by the disease. She starts to see strange visions of her late daughter, and her job and personal life begin to suffer.
The third main character is Maria (Lanciotti), an elderly woman who has been living with the Gerber Syndrome for years. She has learned to control her visions and has become somewhat of a mentor to others affected by the disease. She takes Olga and Ada under her wing and helps them cope with their illness.
The film explores themes such as mental illness, femininity, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The storyline weaves between the three women, showcasing their personal struggles with the condition and the impact it has on their daily lives.
The character of Olga is particularly intriguing, as her journey with the Gerber Syndrome mirrors her own journey of self-discovery. Her visions take her on a surreal journey, where she confronts her fears and desires head-on. Throughout the film, it's revealed that the Gerber Syndrome is not just a disease but a mechanism that allows women to access parts of themselves that they have been repressing.
The cinematography of Gerber Syndrome is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Italian countryside juxtaposed with dreamlike sequences of the women's visions. The score is haunting and complements the surreal atmosphere of the film.
Overall, Gerber Syndrome is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores the boundaries between reality and imagination. The performances of the three leads are excellent, and the film's message about embracing the complexities of the self is poignant. It's a must-watch for fans of fantastical cinema and those who are interested in exploring the intricacies of the human mind.
