Watching the American Italian production of “Electra” expect a mix of comedy and satire bound by dastardly deeds with a beautiful double-cross twist of an ending which no doubt will have you grinning ear to ear.
Accomplices Lucy (Abigail Cowen) and Dylan (Daryl Wein) pose as photographer and journalist to interview self absorbed and hedonistic Jack Sparrowish rock star philanderer Milo (Jack Farthing) and to promote his stage fright stricken and second rate performance artist-sculptress girlfriend Francesca (Maria Baklova), Dylan and Lucy are assumed names as the anonymity will cover their tracks as the ultimate monetary driven goal of their visit to Milo’s palazzo is to steal a valuable unicorn painting by Electra.
Milo may be somewhat self absorbed and flitty but suspicions arise when his office checks out Dylan’s lack of existence as an established journalist however Dylan, when confronted by Milo, confesses he has no confirmed solid story only an opportunity to pitch a story and Milo is content with that as it provides a possible boost to Francesca’s career.
The light and fluffy unravels upon the viewer being introduced to Electra’s character transforming the theft motive into a personal vendetta of sort. A violent confrontation is poetic justice compounded by a cover-up murder and a delightful twist of an ending.
Strong satire if not mockery of Italian cinema, rock stars, wannabees and greed. Shallowness of fame. Brutality of ulterior motives.
Lush palazzo sets and costuming.
The opening tells all but only after the film credits roll. A wonderful dose of playfulness and the unexpected but perhaps somewhat well deserved (for some) nastiness.
Perfect bumbling by Cohen and Wein and even better flakiness and self absorption by Farthing and particularly Baklova.
Watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsc1m4Gbkx8
Directed by Hala Matar.
In select theatres and VOD 2May2025.
RKS 2025 Film Rating 86/100.
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