The Hand of God (2021) Movie Review
Director Paolo Sorrentino decided to take a page out of Alfonso Cuaron’s book and make a movie about his childhood. The Hand of God takes place in Naples in the 1980’s and follows the story of Fabietto (Filippo Scotti) as he comes of age. He lives with his parents and older brother Marchino (Marlon Joubert). His family is a little wacky, with his mother playing elaborate pranks that often go too far on neighbors and fellow family members. A central focus of Fabietto’s life is the arrival of famed soccer player Diego Maradona to his favorite team. Maradona was responsible for two infamous goals, the hand of God and the goal of the century. If you aren’t familiar with the goals, watch them because they are truly spectacular.
Fabietto is heavily influenced by his family. His parents, Saverio (Toni Servillo) and Maria (Teresa Saponangelo) are sweet but come with their own set of problems, namely that Saverio is having a long lasting affair and refuses to end it. This wedge is evident in the family dynamic early on. There are several nods to Fellini, which you would expect given the tendency to compare Sorrentino to the great Italian film director. Marchino even auditions to be an extra in a Fellini flick. The touches of autobiography are evident throughout, with Fabietto having a discussion with filmmaker Antonio Capuano later in the film who is a real life mentor to Sorrentino.
The Hand of God is one of those movies where nothing really happens. Fabietto meanders through life somewhat aimlessly, searching for meaning and trying to figure out who he is as a young man. The fun of watching lies in experiencing Sorrentino’s characters, many of whom have few redeeming qualities. There are surreal moments, like when Fabietto has sex for the first time with a woman old enough to be his grandmother. And when he interacts with his aunt who has an affinity for taking off her clothes. The characters are prickly and some are downright unlikeable. But there are touches of humor and lightness sprinkled throughout the movie that give it a boost when necessary.
Fabietto is characterized by his loneliness and his longing for something even when he isn’t sure what that something is. The Hand of God meanders for two hours and ten minutes as things keep happening to Fabietto. It’s a wonderfully lilting movie that lets you experience Naples in the 1980’s and gives you a glimpse into Sorrentino’s childhood.
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You like movies with loose plot lines
2. You like Italian cinema (especially Sorrentino films)
3. You have experienced loneliness
