The Etruscan Smile

The Etruscan Smile is a 2018 moving drama film, based on the best-selling novel 'La Sonrisa Etrusca' by José Luis Sampedro. Directed by Oded Binnun and Mihal Brezis, the film stars Brian Cox, somewhat best known for his roles in X-Men movies and Succession, along with a talented ensemble that includes JJ Feild and Thora Birch. The storyline tastefully weaves together elements of family dynamics, generational differences, cultural contrast, and the universal theme of love and reconciliation. Spanning multiple continents and cultures, the film offers a cinematic treat, embedding beauty, anguish, and endearing warmth in the narrative.

The film starts with Rory MacNeil (Brian Cox), an aging and somewhat-paranoid Scotsman living a rustic life on the remote Hebridean island of Vallasay, Scotland. MacNeil is a gruff, harsh, and traditional patriarch who has a deep-rooted bitter relationship with his son, Ian. His world is primarily in and around his beloved Scottish landscapes; however, circumstances take a sharp turn, effectively pulling him out of his comfort zone and thrusting him into the heart of metropolitan buzz, San Francisco. The reason underpinning this transition is his declining health, more specifically, a terminal illness. Despite a streak of stubbornness that is intrinsic to his character, Rory reluctantly leaves his treasured abode for the sake of getting medical treatment in America.

In San Francisco, Rory finds himself living with his son Ian (JJ Feild), whom he had estranged years ago, along with his daughter-in-law Emily (Thora Birch), and his newly born grandson. The narrative skilfully exposes Rory's struggle to adapt to a whole new world - dominated by technology, fast-paced life, and vastly different cultural nuances. It is further challenged by his strenuous relationship with his son, adding complexity to the emotional thread of the story.

However, something transformational happens when Rory develops an unexpected bond with his grandson. This unique association is what bridges the gap between the old Scot and the contemporary world, and gradually, Rory starts discovering the joy in many things he previously disregarded. He learns to appreciate the company of his grandson, grows fond of his daughter-in-law, and makes genuine efforts to reconcile with his son.

Brian Cox delivers a compelling performance as Rory, providing depth and credibility to the character's mix of charm, resistance, and stubbornness. His skillful portrayal, coupled with sharp and insightful dialogues, touches the viewer's hearts. The performances of JJ Feild and Thora Birch finely balance the narrative, while the city of San Francisco against the backdrop provides additional color and contrast to Rory's story.

The Etruscan Smile gets its title from a subplot involving an ancient Etruscan artifact that Rory donates to a museum in exchange for medical treatment, which holds a significant metaphor about happiness, love, and life's amusing, unpredictable turns. The Etruscan artifact element introduces us to Claudia (Rosanna Arquette), a curator, leading to a subplot about a late-in-life romance that further broadens the emotional texture of the movie.

Mixing humor, sentimentality, and a touch of romance, directors Oded Binnun and Mihal Brezis have crafted a compelling exploration of the human condition, relationships, and the profound meaning of family and home. The film beautifully explores the spectrum of life and death, love and resentment, past and future, home and world, through a cross-cultural lens that adds to the film's overall charm and appeal.

In all, The Etruscan Smile is a poignant and heartfelt cinematic experience. It takes viewers on an emotional ride navigated by the central character, Rory MacNeil, where the viewers experience the ups and downs of his life, challenged by his health condition, rough but evolving relationship with his son, and rewarding bond with his grandson. The Etruscan Smile leaves a lasting impression, subtly nudging us to embrace life, love, and family, regardless of the surprises and challenges that one's journey may entail.