Daughter of Mine

Daughter of Mine is a heart-rending character-driven drama, skillfully helmed by prominent Italian filmmaker Laura Bispuri, which bowed in the competition program at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival in 2018.

Set on the bucolic and seldom-explored island of Sardinia, this gorgeous film is the story of a young ten-year-old girl named Vittoria (Sara Casu) caught in a unique predicament. With the simultaneous pull of two contrasting female figures – Tina (Valeria Golino), her loving and nurturing adoptive mother, and Angelica (Alba Rohrwacher), her spontaneous and emotionally capricious biological mother – Vittoria embarks on a journey of self-discovery, love and the true meaning of motherhood.

Bispuri, known for her adeptness in sculpting complicated feminine narratives, directs the movie with an extraordinary sensitivity that captures the emotional currents between the three principal characters. She moves the narrative along at a methodic pace, allowing for the characters to unravel and expose their complex dynamics.

Valeria Golino’s performance as Tina is noteworthy. Tina’s love for Vittoria is as palpable as her insecurities about her relationship with the young girl. She tries to protect Vittoria from the volatile world of Angelica, providing a sense of stability and consistency for the child.

On the other hand, Alba Rohrwacher’s Angelica is an intriguing counterpart. She might not be the traditional representation of a nurturing figure, but underneath her rustic exterior and reckless impulses, she extends an affection towards Vittoria that is raw and real. Rohrwacher’s commendable portrayal of a flawed woman, often unreliable but well-meant, adds to the intricate relations layered in the heart of Daughter of Mine.

Through their interactions, Daughter of Mine poses profound questions about the nature of motherhood, blood ties, and the bonding and boundaries of love. The beauty of the film lies in its refusal to take sides and moralize about who should be the ‘better mother’ or what constitutes ‘good parenting.’

In the midst of this profound exploration of female bonds, newcomer Sara Casu’s portrayal of Vittoria demands acknowledgment. She delivers a mature and moving performance, riding the tumultuous emotional roller-coaster with remarkable acumen right up to the end, effectively portraying echoes of confusion and curiosity.

Daughter of Mine is blessed with an aesthetic value that is simply sublime thanks to Vladan Radovic’s immersive cinematography. The movie uses the sun-drenched landscapes and barren terrain of Sardinia as a silent yet essential character. The portrayal of this rugged, rural setting is almost metaphorical, reflecting the untreated emotions and raw relationships being navigated in the storyline. Right from the first iridescent sunrise to the soft hues of twilight, each frame stands as a testament to the film’s visual mastery and silent storytelling.

While the dialogue is minimal, the story unfolds through intense silent moments, lingering glances, and the electrifying tension that exists in the spaces between words. The powerful soundtrack of Daughter of Mine is as evocative as the story itself, with the music embodying the sensations and emotions experienced by the characters throughout the movie.

Ultimately, Daughter of Mine offers an insightful exploration into complex female dynamics and relationships. It’s a story about maternal attachment, identity, and the primal bond of blood, all told in the backdrop of Sardinian isolation. As each protagonist wrestles with their inner conflicts and external circumstances, the film demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of motherhood and the multifaceted nature of love. Despite its simplicity in style and minimal dialogue, the movie manages to leave a powerful and lasting impression.

What stands out most in Daughter of Mine is its realism, emotionality, and the characters' striking development. It is an example of cinematic storytelling at its best with its ravishing visuals, moving performances, and director Laura Bispuri's adept display of human emotion and female perspectives. For those seeking a profound drama that explores mother-daughter relationships, Daughter of Mine will undoubtedly be a captivating watch.