Parthenope: Stream It or Skip It?
Batten down the hatches, cinephiles! A tempest of self-indulgence from acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino is rolling in with A24’s latest offering, Parthenope. Streaming now on HBO Max, this coming-of-age drama promises to be as captivating as it is lengthy. Dive into a world filled with beauty, longing, and the complexities of existence—often revolving around our enigmatic protagonist, Parthenope.
The Gist
Let’s get this out of the way: Parthenope is visually stunning. Born amidst the shimmering lagoons of Naples in 1950, our titular character emerges from the water in 1968, radiating an aura straight out of mythology. Dressed in a bikini, she possesses a bewitching beauty reminiscent of a Da Vinci masterpiece. As she lounges in the sunlight and sleeps beneath delicate sheets in an ornate carriage, she’s the ethereal subject of lust—both for the artistic eyes around her and the viewers. But beneath the allure lies an exploration of loneliness and existential questioning.
This film grapples with a primal question: Is beauty a blessing or a curse? Parthenope finds herself at the center of every gaze—yet everyone around her continually wonders, “What are you thinking about?” Ironically, she often remains blissfully silent on the matter, wrapping her statements in layers of ambiguity. Are her musings truly profound or just a reflection of her captivating charm?
A Journey Through Time
As Parthenope progresses through the 1970s and ’80s, we witness her navigate monumental experiences that evoke both tragedy and transformation. She attends university, where she encounters various dilemmas and intellectual challenges, forming an intriguing connection with her professor, Marotta (played by Silvio Orlando). What unfolds is a rich tapestry of encounters—from a wannabe playboy showcasing his helicopter to a despondent Gary Oldman as the disillusioned Cheever.
As Parthenope wades through these vignettes, we’re reminded of the complexity of her existence. While she grapples with peculiar characters—each representing a rite of passage—she never seems to step out of the frame’s enchanting focus.
Themes That Resonate
- Beauty and Loneliness: The camera often lingers on her physical allure, raising questions about whether this beauty compensates for loneliness.
- Existential Philosophy: Through encounters reflecting the rites of passage, the film nudges us to consider if Parthenope’s breathtaking exterior hides an interior of depth.
Similar Movies
Fans of Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty will find a familiar exploration of aesthetic themes punctuated with the director’s signature style.
Performances to Watch
Celeste Dalla Porta shines as Parthenope, transcending a potential objectification by infusing her character with more than surface-level allure. In later scenes, Stefania Sandrelli takes the reins, illustrating the character’s depth and nuance, despite limited screen time.
Memorable Dialogue
The exchange between Cheever and Parthenope encapsulates the film’s heart:
Cheever: “Are you aware of the disruption your beauty causes?”
Parthenope: “I’m starting to suspect something.”
The Aesthetic
While the film features graphic nudity and semi-graphic sex, it’s the visual storytelling that captivates. Cinematographer Daria D’Antonio captures a dreamlike quality, reminiscent of the whimsical realms conjured by auteurs like Alejandro Jodorowsky.
What’s Our Verdict?
Parthenope exemplifies Sorrentino’s knack for crafting visually arresting films—yet, therein lies its duality. While absolutely breathtaking, it often feels emotionally hollow. It’s filled with striking images but lacks the narrative depth to match. Sorrentino’s exploration of psychological trauma shifts focus, leaving viewers pondering the irony of a goddess bound to isolation.
Final Call: Skip It
In the end, Parthenope may leave you more dazzled than fulfilled. For those seeking both visual splendor and emotional impact, it might be best to say—Parthe-nope.
John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
