There’s something about trilogies that is continually fascinating with cinematic storytelling. They are often seen on grander scales, like with “Star Wars” or the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. However, what can be most interesting is when independent filmmakers tell stories of theirs in the trilogy format. There, you have instances like the acclaimed “Before Trilogy” by Richard Linklater or the “Three Colours Trilogy” by Krzysztof Kieślowski. With its first trailer now online, releasing in theaters this May is the conclusion to the informal “Calabrian Trilogy” with “A Chiara” by writer and director Jonas Carpignano, which was the winner of the Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight award last year.
“A Chiara” follows Carpignano’s “Mediterranea” from 2015 and “A Ciambra” from 2017. The film had its premiere at last year’s Cannes Film Festival (read our review). One unique element of the film is its cast featuring non-professional actors, mainly revolving around actual real-life family members playing family in the film. An example of such is the main protagonist, the titular Chiara played by Swamy Rotolo, playing opposite her father Claudio Rotolo as Chiara’s father, also named Claudio.
Speaking on “A Chiara” as a family and crime drama, we wrote in our review that it “caps off Carpignano’s Calabrian triptych in unexpected fashion by orienting itself around a less-marginalized population, re-energizing his style from the brink of stagnation in confronting questions of power that haven’t cropped up before. He’s not quite deconstructing the gangster picture, but he succeeds in draining all its allure.” With a five-year gap since the release of “A Ciambra” and a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, “A Chiara” may be worth a look.
READ MORE: Cannes Review: Jonas Carpignano’s Topical, Intelligent, Empathetic ‘Mediterranea’
Here’s the official synopsis:
The day after the Guerrasio family gathers to celebrate Claudio and Carmela’s oldest daughter’s birthday, Claudio disappears. Their other daughter, 15-year-old Chiara, starts to investigate. As she gets closer to the truth, she is forced to decide what kind of future she wants for herself.
Starring Swamy Rotolo, Claudio Rotolo, Grecia Rotolo, Carmela Fumo, Giorgia Rotolo, Antonio Rotolo, Vincenzo Rotolo, and Antonina Fumo, “A Chiara” releases in theaters on May 27th. Watch the new trailer below.