Sofia (Paula Lussi) lies sobbing on a hotel bed. She goes out, accompanied by a policeman, looking sad and bewildered. Is she under arrest? Being protected? The real explanation is every bit as dramatic, but this is no thriller. Venezia is a thoughtful exploration of loss, grief and culture shock set against a winter Venice that's a pale imitation of the tourist traps that are it's usual image.
In walking the streets to await events, and try to make sense of the situation she finds herself in, Sofia watches the ordinary life of the city, tries, half heartedly, to do the touristy things she came to do, and has encounters with locals and visitors that provide temporary distractions from what's happened. There are no rules when it comes to coping with tragedy.
A minimalist soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, minimalist subtitling lets us experience Sofia's confusion about her surroundings (she's from Argentina). Slow paced, slow burning, this is a film that stays with you afterwards, provoking further thoughts on the nature of what you've seen. Lussi is excellent in portraying the rudderless vulnerability and emotional turmoil of a woman thrown into an unexpected trauma, trying to maintain a connection to real life.
Highly recommended.
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