The reason this works at all is because Moretti captures such tiny details of life in every scene. This keeps the humour natural and authentic, never pushy or remotely contrived. We feel their grief and horror at the events that change them forever, but we also feel the breath of fresh air when they discover they're able to laugh again at something trivial. Again, this would never work if the script and performances didn't establish the characters and relationships so well at the film's outset--it's completely believable from the first moment. These are people we know--they're us!--and so we quite easily travel this journey with them and profoundly feel what they feel. And the light tone helps Moretti deal with some very heavy stuff without ever getting maudlin or sentimental.

adult themes, language

23.Oct.01 lff