Paolo Genovese’s Somebody To Love (Follemente) was the perfect movie to open the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival 2025. This irreverent rom-com grabs the viewer from the get go and will have you belly laughing throughout.
We are first introduced to philosophy professor Piero (Eduardo Leo) and all the “voices in his head” as he chooses the type and colour of condoms to bring on his awkwardly hilarious first date with the passionate and creative Lara (Pilar Fogliati). Meanwhile, Lara and her own team within her head are discussing the merits of her decision to have their first date in her home, down to the lighting choices, which from Piero’s perspective looks like she might be having a disco party at her apartment.
From that moment on, hilarity ensues as their every move is met with commentary from their respective peanut galleries.
While by no means an original concept, (think Pixar’s Inside Out or the 90s sitcom Herman’s Head), I found the film an easy watch – a deep movie, it is not. Yes, it may be cliched at times, but it is, dare I say, the best romantic comedy offering this year so far.
Boasting an all-star cast including big names of Italian cinema such as Emanuela Fanelli, Maria Chiara Giannetta, Claudia Pandolfi, Vittoria Puccini, Marco Giallini, Maurizio Lastrico, Rocco Papaleo and Claudio Santamaria, Somebody To Love has nabbed the 2025 Nastro D’Argento Award for Best Comedy as well as Best Comedy Actress.
Somebody to Love is a heartwarming and lighthearted way to indulge in 98 minutes of escapism.
Somebody to Love is now showing as part of the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival.