Made in Italy

The film begins in Flite Gallery, an art space in London overseen by Jack (played by Micheál Richardson, who is actually Liam Neeson’s son), yet owned by Ruth (played by Yolanda Kettle), Jack’s estranged wife and her family. Ruth informs Jack that her family has decided to sell the gallery, highlighting that despite his considerable efforts, he had never invested any money into it; thus, he has no authority in this matter. Jack proposes that he and his father, Robert (portrayed by Liam Neeson), can sell their house in Italy to fund the gallery purchase.

Bright and early, Jack visits his father Robert, a quintessential bohemian artist residing in his London studio flat. Robert, still in his robe with a scruffy appearance, gives Jack’s arrival a rather peculiar twist when he introduces a woman leaving his room, misnaming her, causing a chaotic scene.

Jack hesitates to disclose the news of his impending divorce from Ruth, but insists on selling the Italian house. Robert is taken aback, revealing that Jack hasn’t visited the property since he was seven and questioning his sudden interest. Upon their arrival at the neglected estate, they find it in an alarming state of disrepair; the warped wooden door is nearly impossible to pry open, and when Jack forces it, it collapses into the dust-filled interior.

They call in Kate (portrayed by Lindsay Duncan), a composed British real estate broker, to help with the sale of this eyesore. The house features an entire wall adorned in vibrant colors, a tribute by Robert to artist Frank Swine. With a roof in disarray and minimal provisions of bread and tomato sandwiches, their stay at the house is neither luxurious nor accommodating, not to mention the added trouble of a wayward weasel residing in the cabinet.

With Kate’s assistance, a local expert captures the pesky weasel, allowing local contractors to commence much-needed repairs, patching holes and painting the interior. Meanwhile, Robert gently attempts to sway Jack away from selling, but Jack’s frustration culminates in him leaving for town, where his clumsiness lands him sprawled on the cobblestones after mishandling a menu. Thankfully, he is helped by Natalia (played by Valeria Bilello), the proprietor of the restaurant, who serves him Risotto despite the establishment being closed.

As time passes, spectators visit the house while Robert makes it a point to turn away any potential buyers. Jack, meanwhile, discovers moments of joy riding a motorcycle and spending time with Natalia, learning about her life, including her ex-husband and their daughter.

Yet, Robert’s commitment to holding onto the house intensifies as he sends away prospective buyers. In an emotional twist, Jack finds a bedroom filled with memorabilia of his childhood and his mother’s drawings. Confronting Robert reveals the tragic past of his mother’s untimely death in a car accident, a moment filled with both grief and reconciliation as father and son share a long-awaited embrace.

The plot thickens as Robert seeks to reconnect with Jack outside of their home, bringing with him a check from the sale of his London flat, allowing Jack to redeem his interest in the Italian property and fulfill his dream of running the gallery. Robert shares his intent to reside in Italy and start hosting painting retreats, following Kate’s suggestion.

Finally, Jack returns to the Flite Gallery, confronting Ruth with divorce papers, leading to an inevitable and necessary parting. Back in Italy, he finds a refurbished house where his father is actively engaged in teaching art. Jack expresses his desire for a father-son relationship beyond financial transactions, sharing a heartfelt hug that cements their bond.

The movie culminates in Jack’s decision to exhibit Robert’s artworks in a gallery. The closing moments showcase the two of them joyously mixing paint side by side while restoring the wall, completing the homage to Frank Swine’s artistic style, as their relationship blossoms anew.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 18:18