Quiet Bliss is an independent drama film from Italy that explores themes of adolescence, family, and self-discovery. Directed by Edoardo Winspeare, the film features a young cast including Celeste Casciaro, Laura Licchetta, and Anna Boccadamo. The movie takes place in a small town in Salento, a region in southern Italy. It follows the lives of three teenage girls - Martina, Maria, and Isabella - who are all experiencing different struggles in their daily lives. Martina, played by Celeste Casciaro, is a shy and introverted girl who dreams of becoming a writer but feels constantly held back by her overbearing mother. Maria, played by Laura Licchetta, is the rebellious daughter of a local fishmonger who spends most of her time hanging out with her boyfriend and partying. Isabella, played by Anna Boccadamo, is a curious and feisty girl who is constantly getting into trouble at school and trying to figure out her place in the world.
Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, the girls form a strong bond over the course of the film. They spend their afternoons exploring the beaches and countryside outside of town, sharing secrets and dreams, and supporting each other through their various struggles. Martina, in particular, finds comfort in their friendship and begins to gain confidence in herself and her abilities as a writer. As the summer progresses, however, the girls are forced to confront the realities of their lives and the challenges that lie ahead.
One of the central conflicts in Quiet Bliss is the tension between the girls' desires and the expectations of their families and society at large. Martina's mother is especially critical of her daughter's interests, seeing them as a distraction from her duties as a daughter and future wife. Maria, too, feels trapped by her family's business, longing for a life outside of the fish market. Even Isabella, who seems to be the most free-spirited of the group, struggles with the pressure to conform to her school's norms and expectations.
Another theme explored in the movie is the experience of growing up and coming of age. The film captures the awkwardness, uncertainty, and excitement of adolescence, as the girls navigate their changing bodies and desires. There are standout moments that capture this well, such as a scene where Maria tries to seduce her boyfriend, only to feel conflicted and uncomfortable with the encounter. The film also grapples with the idea of what it means to be a woman in this society, and the girls' different experiences of this.
Throughout the film, the setting of the small town and surrounding countryside is beautifully captured through Winspeare's evocative cinematography. The sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and lush fields are all imbued with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The soundtrack, featuring both original compositions and popular songs, adds to the film's dreamy, ethereal atmosphere.
Though the film is slow-paced and meandering by design, it never feels dull or unengaging. There are moments of humor, tension, and emotion that keep the viewer invested in the lives of the three young women. Ultimately, Quiet Bliss is a tender and moving exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the struggles of youth.
Quiet Bliss is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.
