It’s truffle season here in Perth, so how timely that Espresso Cinema has included Trifole in its lineup this year.
Truffle hunting season in Piedmont primarily runs in Autumn and Winter. So I was surprised when I was greeted with a montage of bright colours, reminiscent of sunny Spring day.
As we watch our protagonist, Dahlia, make her way through the town, it feels like an optimistic first foray into a new town. There are picturesque views of the countryside, backed up by a glorious blue sky. We hear Dahlia making her way through the cobblestone paths of a rustic small town. She walks past what could be an everyday snapshot of two men, enjoying a drink outside their favourite osteria. It’s all idyllic, like a primer to a travel documentary.
But despite what the vibrant colours on the screen would have you believe, just like that ending shot of the montage, we are soon stuck in a muddy situation.
For Dahlia is not a typical tourist. She is in Piedmont to check on her grandfather Igor, a seasoned truffle hunter.
When she finds his home, we realise something is not right. While Igor appears to have the perfect retirement, spending his days questing for truffles, his mental faculties diminishing.
And mistaking Dahlia for her mother Marta, is the least of the family’s worries.
Aside from ignoring his medication, Igor has let the mortgage payments slip. Unless he can come up with 40,000 Euros fast, he will be evicted from the home he loves so much.
What’s an aimless Londoner to do?
Try to find a prize-winning truffle, of course! Once she can get Igor to impart some truffle expertise, of course.
Umberto Orsini does a marvellous job of playing the prickly Igor. He reminded me of my late grandfather. Like my grandfather in his later years, Igor was stubbornly steadfast in his belief that he can take care of himself.
Igor portrays the swings of dementia well, showing irritance in one moment and fondness the next. One scene in particular, where Igor appears to have lost lucidity, tugged on my heart strings.
I don’t want to give too much away but I will say this. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster for the second half of the movie.
While the movie starts off as serene, I found myself emotionally invested in Dahlia’s quest. From her falls to her triumphs, my heart soared and sank with each development. I even felt her exasperation as she was slowed down by the convoy supporting the truffle princesses.
If you’re looking for a neatly packaged family reunion, Trifole is not it.
However, if you want a movie that captures the messy, unpredictable nature of life, you’re in for a treat.
Trifole’s strengths lie not within the dramatic moments but the subtle ones. The wordless conversation between mother and daughter. The pride in Igor’s eyes in shaving up a truffle his granddaughter with the “too soft” hands found. The camaraderie as Igor lets Dahlia help him bathe Birba, his trusty sidekick.
So settle into your seats, and get ready to take Trifole in.
Trifole is showing as a part of Espresso Cinema at Luna Leederville on Sunday, 20th July. Grab your tickets while you can!