After a traumatic event, Sergio, a depressed teacher, wants to start over in a remote Italian village in the Alps. In sharp contrast to his own mental state, the villagers all seem happy. And the newcomer quickly finds out why: as soon as the introverted teenager Matteo hugs you, all your negative emotions vanish into thin air. Sergio befriends this Holy Boy, whose mysterious powers are used by townsfolk and clergy as they see fit, and encourages him to break out of his prison—with devastating consequences. Paolo Strippoli’s suspenseful mystery thriller is also a clever parable on Christian concepts of suffering and sacrifice. Ultimately, the film unravels into a glowing, shocking incantation of independence and autonomy. (Markus Keuschnigg)

In attendance of Milo Tissone (screenwriter)