Seydou (Seydou Sarr) is a teenager who dreams of a better life for himself and his family. Eventually, Seydou and his cousin Moussa (Moustapha Fall) decide to leave their home in Dakar and travel to Europe, hoping to achieve fame and fortune so they can support their loved ones back home. The two secretly save money and hide it until they are ready to leave. One evening, Seydou confides in his mother about his desire to go to Europe and help his family, but his mother reacts with shock and disgust. Feeling guilty for upsetting her, Seydou tells his mother he was only joking to calm her down.
As Seydou and Moussa discuss their aspirations, they decide the time has come to leave and pursue their dreams of reaching Europe. However, Seydou chooses not to tell his mother about their plans, fearing her reaction. Their journey will be full of challenges, including walking through the scorching desert, protecting their savings from theft, and surviving a terrible detention centre in Libya. Can Seydou and Moussa overcome the many obstacles and reach their dream destination?
Io Capitano is a heavy drama filled with gripping and hard-hitting moments. The movie was directed by Matteo Garrone, who directed other acclaimed films such as Pinocchio (2019) and Dogman (2018). The film’s first act is solid and gives us a complete understanding of Seydou’s intentions, dreams, desires, and the significant challenges he faces by leaving his home and family. The story is highly unpredictable, and Seydou finds himself in many situations and dramas. I was emotionally invested in the story to see if he would reach his destination. The same can be said about Seydou’s cousin, Moussa.
In terms of filming, this movie is best enjoyed on a big screen. The cinematography, sharp visuals, and locations are impressive. It’s also a memorable experience for viewers. Dream sequences are introduced at various times when Seydou is at his weakest, and I found these moments impactful and touching, too. The performances are nothing short of perfection, just like the visuals. Everything on-screen feels highly realistic, and the dialogue is delivered excellently. However, the pacing is a significant drawback. The opening is strong, and the second act is filled with hard-hitting moments of drama. While the third act is still solid, it is prolonged, and by the end of the journey, I felt like the film was a three-hour feature instead of its actual runtime of two hours. Despite this, I must confess that given the events and drama, I was emotionally drained and broken inside as the credits rolled. It felt refreshing, and it’s been some time since I’ve had an experience like it.
Overall, Io Capitano is an intense drama film that will leave a lasting impression on your cinematic soul. The film is filled with tragedy, heartbreak, and a journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Visually, the film is stunning, with breathtaking locations and clever dream sequences that add depth to the story. The acting is flawless, and the dialogue is well-written, making the film impactful. The setup and opening of the film are robust, drawing viewers in and making them invested in the characters’ journey and hopes of success. The pacing and well-crafted narrative keeps the audience engaged throughout; however, the slow third act of the film does drag on a bit longer than necessary. It is forgivable, and in the end, I felt emotionally drained, which hasn’t happened in some time. I highly recommend it!
8.9/10
23rd March 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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