Nanni Moretti has been one of the most consistently reliable and impressive Italian filmmakers for decades now. He’s probably best known for The Son’s Room, which won him a Palme d’Or back in 2001 at Cannes Film Festival. However, the former professional waterpolo player has made a number of very good films including Mia Madre, The Mass is Ended and Sweet Dreams. They’re always worth watching. Three Floors is certainly not the exception to the rule.
One night, as Monica (Alba Rohrwacher) waits for a taxi to take her to the hospital so she can give birth, a car careers past her, hitting an old woman before ploughing into the apartment block she lives in. It’s driven by Andrea (Alessandro Sperduti), the drunk wayward son of Dora (Margherita Buy) and Vittoria (Moretti). Which leaves Lucio (Riccardo Scamarcio) and Sara (Elena Lietti) with a mess to clear up. Providing a catalyst for a number of events which ripple through their lives over the next decade.
Three Floors is a slow-burning ensemble drama which tells the story of three different families through turbulent periods. Moretti keeps his audience at arm’s length. Affording the characters space and time, but never really getting under their skin. Allowing the viewer to observe dispassionately. Indeed, the superb cast, including a wonderful performance from Rohrwacher, are what make Three Floors work so well.
Three Floors will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 18 March.
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