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On this page: A YEAR IN LONDON

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 14.Jul.26

A Year in London
Review by Rich Cline | 2.5/5

dir Flaminia Graziadei
scr Flaminia Graziadei, Laura Jane Swain
prd Flaminia Graziadei, Andrea Maffini, Valentina Quarantini, Marcoluca Cattaneo
with Melanie Liburd, Nina Pons, Carlotta Morelli, Matteo Bassi, Sutara Gayle, Shaun Ramos, Clementina Aliberti, Nagaieh Dad, Ralph Palka, Elisabetta Jane Rizzo, Karin Giegerich, Nando Irene
release UK 17.Jul.26
26/UK 1h30

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Earthy and relaxed, this romantic comedy-drama follows a young Italian woman as she breaks out of a constrained, conservative upbringing, finding the courage to be herself. Filmmaker Flaminia Graziadei has made an almost outrageously good-looking film, beautifully shot with attractive actors who are wearing eye-catching costumes. Combined with the overwritten screenplay and rather loose editing, this makes the film feel somewhat artificial. But it's also warmly involving.

Heading to London for a one-year course, aspiring fashion designer Olivia (Pons) is missing her idyllic Italian village, affluent parents (Giegerich and Irene) and dreamy boyfriend Paolo (Bassi). But she's thrilled to meet her idol, designer and lecturer Nina (Liburd), who is intrigued by Olivia's life as a third-generation tailor and encourages her to explore new ideas. Olivia's style evolves as fellow students (including Aliberti, Ramos and Rizzo) introduce her to the arts scene. And Nina takes Olivia under her wing as a protege. But both of them are reluctant to admit their mutual attraction.

Early on, a mugging gives Olivia and Nina a shared trauma that they need to work through, sparking unspoken feelings and secret fantasies. The teacher-student dynamic keeps them at arm's length, but Olivia knows she needs to end things with Paolo, because he's only what is expected for her. Then as Olivia realises what she truly wants, she begins to break down Nina's resistance. This may play out in a contrived, soapy way, but the gentle pace draws us in.

Liburd has a luminous quality as Nina, a successful woman who doesn't do relationships, leaving a trail of lovelorn exes, including Helen (a strong side role for Morelli), who is getting tired of circling around her. By contrast, Pons' Olivia has a clumsy charm with an underlying intelligence. Through the story, she gradually becomes more confident. Liburd and Pons develop an easy chemistry, although it's most felt in the scenes when they are on their own, thinking of each other.

At the centre of the story is Olivia's blossoming, because for the first time in her life someone is encouraging her to find her own voice and follow her own path. And Nina lets herself begin to feel something she's been resisting for years. These internalised journeys are far more engaging than the structured romcom plot, largely because we know exactly where that has to go. Even so, after the expected problems and obstacles, the final act still elicits a smile.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 14.Jul.26

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL