In a small Catholic boarding school a group of young girls look to rebel against the silliest of things. Leading up to Christmas day, the girls look forward to sweets, presents, dancing, and more–but the strict rules of the school and its nuns quickly squash any chance at a happy holiday. Le Pupille tells the story of these young girls as they survive their own way during a time of war and chaos. Together they have the power to get what they want–but it may come at a price.
Le Pupille employs a series of unique decisions regarding the cinematography and editing, including speeding up and slowing down the things occurring throughout. These decisions are almost odd, seemingly making no sense. I can’t honestly say that I’ve figured out why Director Alice Rohrwacher chose to have her film play out in this fashion–but she did and it does. Regardless of the reasoning behind Rohrwacher’s decision here, the decision makes Le Pupille more fun. There are moments throughout the course of the short film that appear almost silly or juvenile–and it mirrors what the many young girls bring to the table. There’s something beautifully whimsical about Le Pupille–and that's incredibly inviting.
Much like the decision to edit the speed of Le Pupille, Rohrwacher chooses to use a series of jump cuts to help tell the story as well. This, too, creates whimsy, enticing viewers, and inviting them into the film.
Le Pupille is all about its subtleties. The story itself isn’t funny, it’s honestly not a story that most viewers would enjoy–so, with that being said, it’s these subtle additions to the film that make it worth a watch. Viewers need the silliness to balance the drama, to force emotions to the front of the film, and to drive the story forward. I still can’t settle on this being the reason that Rohrwacher makes the decisions that she does, but it works wonders in this regard. Le Pupille thrives as a result of these decisions–and it has earned its place in history, nominated for best Short Film (Live Action).
The casting here is just perfect. In a film driven forward, in more ways than one, by children, Casting Director Chiara Polizzi had a difficult task on her hands. However, she finds the most charismatic group of young actors–capable of conveying emotion from beginning to end, but more importantly, they are capable of carrying this film. They are downright fun, and every second that they spend on screen is welcome. They make Le Pupille what it is, and that’s spectacular.
Le Pupille, while humorous and fun, does prophesize a bit–pushing a few morals to the front and begging viewers to understand their importance. The many morals focusing on things like selflessness, fate, and more stand their ground throughout Le Pupille, and they do a wonderful job of, much like everything else in the film, enticing viewers. The writers, Rohrwacher, Carmela Covino, and Shane Gotcher create a wonderful balance between comedy and drama, juxtaposing mischief and severity throughout. This balance exists in a concise and effective way–ultimately becoming exactly what needed to be done in order for Le Pupille to find success. This film is hilarious, inviting, and humbling–everything it should be and more.
Directed by Alice Rohrwacher.
Written by Alice Rohrwacher, Carmela Covino, & Shane Gotcher.
Starring Alba Rohrwacher, Greta Zuccheri Montanari, Carmen Pommella, Lady Maru, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Melissa Falasconi, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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