I can quit whenever I want

I Can Quit Whenever I Want (Smetto Quando Voglio), is a 2014 Italian comedy film directed by Sydney Sibilia, starring Edoardo Leo, Valeria Solarino, Valerio Aprea among an ensemble cast. The film revolves around a group of underemployed, or downright unemployed, intellectuals who turn to a life of crime in order to sustain their lifestyle. The humorous take is amplifying the plight of the European economic crisis visibly everywhere during that time.

The film primarily revolves around Pietro Zinni (played by Edoardo Leo), a highly educated but unemployed neurobiologist who finds himself redundant after the university closes his department due to budget cuts. Realizing that his high education and intellectual skills may not necessarily guarantee him a good job, Pietro finds himself trapped in a financial dilemma. This forces Pietro to use his extensive knowledge of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and neurobiology in what can be termed as an unusual and illegal way.

In desperation, Pietro gathers a motley crew of his similarly overqualified yet underemployed friends, establishing a unique business. The team, which includes an anthropologist, an archaeologist, two Latinists, and a want-to-be psychologist, uses their collective knowledge and skill creating a "smart drug" that enhances cognitive ability but unfortunately, isn't legal. The interesting aspect is that it isn't yet covered by anti-drug laws. The original idea was to sell enough of the drug to overcome their financial difficulties. However, the things take a turn when success leads to greed.

Pietro’s challenges are complex as he has to handle this unconventional business, with the vulnerabilities that arise from having amateur criminals, the impending drug laws, rivaling drug cartels, all while keeping the truth hidden from his girlfriend, Giulia (played by Valeria Solarino). Giulia, a police officer in contrast to Pietro’s law-breaking activities, adds interesting conflicts to the storyline.

Among the collective ensemble cast, the performance of Valerio Aprea is noteworthy for his portrayal of Mattia Argeri, a downtrodden archaeologist who contributes his skills to the group’s endeavors, thus adding a poignant layer to this dramedy.

I Can Quit Whenever I Want portrays a fantastic satirical take on the overeducated unemployed intellectuals of society against the backdrop of a socio-economic crisis. The witty script, dark humor, and the fast-paced narrative carry the film to be more than just a simple comedy. It blurs the line between right and wrong, subtly raises questions about educational systems, job markets, and individual desperation. It's a fun, cleverly constructed, and thoughtful film that offers a new perspective on graduates' issues in Italy.

Therefore, these are extraordinary guys out there doing extraordinary things, driven by an ordinary cause. They are intellectual, learned, but as they are not into what society looks like, recognizing jobs, they take an extraordinary route to find their way out, causing great humor. They play characters with whom many viewers can easily identify.

All this is packaged in what can be called a stylized direction by Sydney Sibilia. His debut bares resemblances with the stylistics of Guy Ritchie or Quentin Tarantino, which means it's cool, suave and with a ready wit. The cinematography, lighting, set-design, and color palettes all contribute to a visually appealing and immersive cinematographic experience.

However, the film doesn't sideline the importance of an engaging narrative with its style and humor. On the contrary, it brings forward a story told with every constituent part raising real questions. Besides its underbelly of a financial dilemma, the film explores friendship, loyalties, and morality under changing circumstances.

In conclusion, I Can Quit Whenever I Want is a smart and original comedy with plenty to say about the socio-political climate of modern-day Italy. It’s a must-watch for those looking for a fun, humorous, tight, and engaging ride yet wish for some food for thought.