Indivisible

Indivisible is a compelling Italian drama film released in 2016. Directed and written by Edoardo De Angelis, the movie features beautifully portrayed characters brought to life by Angela Fontana, Marianna Fontana, and Antonia Truppo, delivering gutsy and passionate performances.

The plot centers around conjoined twins, Viola and Daisy (Angela Fontana and Marianna Fontana), who at the age of 18, live in the shabby suburbs of Caserta near Naples. They've been blessed with beautiful voices and, hence, sing at weddings, communions, and baptisms, turning themselves into a popular attraction for the locals and becoming the breadwinners for their dysfunctional family. The complexity of their relationship and the bond they share forms the movie's central thread.

The film artfully uses the physicality of the conjoined twins as a metaphor to explore themes about independence, identity, and the price one pays for freedom. Indivisible delves into how the twins are exploited and objectified by everyone around them, including their manager, shady priest, and opportunistic relatives, all of whom are more concerned with profit than with the girls' wellbeing.

Success in depicting these themes can be credited to Edoardo De Angelis’s tight direction and the charismatic performances of the Fontana twins. Angela and Marianna deftly portray their characters and succeed in portraying a complexity of emotions, conflicts, and dreams with startling sincerity and captivating charm.

Another striking aspect of Indivisible is its authentic representation of Neapolitan life. The vibrant city's multilayered features are brought to life through picturesque cinematography by Ferran Paredes Rubio. The city, with its bustling streets, towering churches, and chaotically colorful homes, becomes a character in itself, further elevating the narrative’s grittiness.

Antonia Truppo features prominently as Titti, the ambitious and manipulative mother of the twins. Truppo presents a convincing performance, leaving a lasting impression for her role of a woman torn between sympathy for her daughters and the allure of financial stability their talent brings.

The screenplay allows for a generous share of dark humor that serves to contrast and lighten the otherwise intense mood of the film. The dialogue, sharp and poignant, further deepens the exploration of the characters, and enhances the storyline. This edgy black comedy drama gives audiences a chance to laugh even while being carried along on a tide of emotional concern for the central characters.

As the twins approach adulthood, the possibility of a surgical separation arises, igniting a struggle about their individuality and common identity. They begin to question their shared lives, exploring their individual desires and hidden animosities, and the conflict becomes a powerful representation of their journey through life. Facts about the twins' emotional existence are revealed, along with their dreams and aspirations, and the essential question of what it means to be “indivisible”.

Ennio Morricone and his son, Andrea Morricone, provide the film’s ethereal music. The melancholic tunes, combined with some uplifting tracks, perfectly mirror the film's pulsating rhythm, creating an aural atmosphere that complements the visual narrative and enhances the overall viewing experience.

Indivisible is a thoughtful exploration of individuality, freedom, and complex familial ties, presenting an unflinching gaze at the cruelties of exploitation and the chiaroscuro of human emotions. The film effortlessly balances the twins' heart-wrenching predicament with spot-on performances, expressive narrative, and a fascinating setting that altogether make the movie undeniably gripping.

Through Indivisible, De Angelis has carefully crafted a cinematic world full of memorable characters and compelling narratives, subtly articulating the implications of societal expectations and the quest for individual happiness. This movie remains a triumphant blend of social realism and poetic drama, underlining the underlying concept that even the seemingly indivisible can harbor a deep-seated desire for separation.

The movie is set in Italian but comes with English subtitles. Its genial use of the Italian language adds depth to its authenticity and its emotional impact.

Nowadays, cinema is flooded with stories that oftentimes feel repetitive and stale; however, Indivisible stands out as a fresh and dynamic portrayal of a unique story, complex characters, and the universal human longing for independence. Whether you are a fan of foreign films or just an avid movie enthusiast looking for something different, it surely deserves a watch.