On My Skin

On My Skin is a powerful and poignant Italian film released in 2018. The movie is based on a dreadful true incident that provoked widespread discussions within Italy's justice system and public sentiment. The film is directed by Alessio Cremonini, who also co-wrote the script with Lisa Nur Sultan, and it stars Alessandro Borghi, Milvia Marigliano, and Massimiliano Tortora. The film unravels the tragic story of Stefano Cucchi, skillfully portrayed by Alessandro Borghi, who has given a remarkably potent performance that garnered him great acclaim and praise.

The film's narrative is set in Rome in 2009, begins by introducing us to Stefano Cucchi, a young man leading a relatively regular life, with a loving family and a small business. Unknown to many, Stefano has a secret life; he is involved with drugs, and this habit gets him entwined with the law. What appears to be minor delinquency quickly escalates and transforms into a horrifying ordeal, one that highlights the numerous cracks within the Italian judiciary and prison systems. While the film explores the tragic incidents resulting from his arrest, it manages to skilfully maintain a balance to avoid lingering on the graphic details.

Alessandro Borghi's portrayal of Stefano is the film's heart, with his performance successfully invoking empathy from the audience. His physical transformation is haunting without being too overwhelming, and his depiction of Stefano's vulnerability and fear is palpable throughout the movie. This performance is complemented by the steadfast support of Milvia Marigliano and Massimiliano Tortora, playing the roles of Stefano’s mother and his defense attorney, respectively.

Marigliano brilliantly embodies the character of a mother grappling with the anguish of her son's ordeal, injecting a sense of power and desperation into her role. Massimiliano Tortora, on the other hand, offers an earnest performance, representing a lawyer who genuinely wants to seek justice for Stefano but finds himself entrapped within the system's unflagging bureaucracy. The performances of the actors convincingly convey the urgency and frustration of the situation, prompting viewers to question the system and its fatal flaws.

Director Alessio Cremonini does an excellent job delivering a film that is as damning as it is heartbreaking. He keenly depicts the narrative, alternating between scenes of Stefano’s life in custody and his family’s desperate attempts to secure his release. The cinematography of the movie is also noteworthy, as it uses the grim, sterile backdrops of prison cells and courthouses to intensify the starkness and bleakness of Stefano’s circumstances. The intimate and somber tones of the film contribute to a palpable atmosphere of despair and dread, effectively driving home the narrative's potency.

On My Skin is brutally honest about the harrowing ordeal Stefano had to endure. This tragic tale simultaneously operates as a stern critique of Italy's justice and custodial systems. The film stands as a serious indictment of the physical and psychological abuse that can occur within institutions designed to protect and serve citizens. Yet, it also signifies a relentless quest for justice, showcasing the power of collective effort and resilience in the face of adversity.

The film's narrative is compelling, and the performances are compellingly realistic. The strong, meticulous storytelling and the unflinching, disturbing realism make On My Skin a must-watch film. It pushes beyond the boundaries of conventional storytelling, revealing the stark and chilling reality of human rights abuses within prison systems. Far from being a simple retelling of events, it serves as a powerful commentary on institutional failures and the urgent need for change.

On My Skin delivers a haunting depiction of a tragic event. Still, it also carries an essential message, making it an impactful film that leaves a lasting impression. The movie is a staggering piece of cinema that is as much a sociopolitical commentary as it is a heartbreaking human story. It is a haunting and courageous tribute to Stefano Cucchi and a poignant reminder of the tireless struggle for justice, human rights, and institutional accountability.