I Am the End of the World

In the sun‑bleached streets of Palermo, the weight of generations hangs heavy over a modest family home, while the restless pulse of Rome’s nightlife fuels a very different world. Here, a pragmatic driver makes his living shuttling intoxicated teenagers through the city’s nocturnal maze, a job that demands efficiency more than sentiment. The contrast between these two settings—one bright and demanding, the other shadowed by aging memories—creates a mood of quiet tension, where the ordinary tasks of daily life become the backdrop for deeper, unspoken conflicts.

Angelo returns to his native town after a reluctant call from his sister, thrust into the role of caretaker for his elderly parents. Though he appears detached and methodical, his practical nature conceals a simmering resentment rooted in years of estrangement and adolescent grievances. The reunion forces him to navigate the familiar yet alien terrain of his family’s expectations, while the presence of Anna and the looming specter of his parents’ declining health sharpen the stakes. As he steps back into the home he once fled, old hierarchies surface, hinting at the possibility of confronting the rigid figures who once defined his youth.

The film balances a sober, almost austere atmosphere with moments of subtle dark humor, using the everyday rituals of caregiving to explore themes of duty, retribution, and moral ambiguity. Interactions with Franco and Rita expose the fragile dynamics of a family on the brink of change, while brief encounters with a compassionate family doctor, Dr. Marta Pedrotta, suggest that even within a landscape of strained loyalties, there may be an unexpected avenue for understanding. The story remains poised on the edge of unresolved tension, inviting viewers to wonder how far a man will go when the past and present collide in the cramped corridors of his home and his conscience.

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:42