Stealing Beauty

In the serene backdrop of a Tuscan villa owned by Ian and Diana Grayson, young poet and model Lucy Harmon arrives at the estate, burdened by the recent loss of her mother. The villa buzzes with an eclectic array of guests, including a New York art gallery owner, an Italian advice columnist, and the terminally ill writer Alex Parrish (Jeremy Irons). As Lucy settles into her new surroundings, she becomes captivated by Diana’s daughter, Miranda, who is currently enjoying the company of Richard Reed, an entertainment lawyer.

As the days roll on, Lucy’s heart is preoccupied with thoughts of Niccolò Donati—the charming figure she briefly connected with four years ago. Her hopes of rekindling their romance are bolstered by the arrival of her brother Christopher, who journeys alongside Niccolò from a nearby villa. However, the atmosphere shifts abruptly when Parrish reveals Lucy’s personal secrets to the group, leaving her feeling embarrassed and betrayed.

Looking for comfort, Lucy turns to marijuana and confides in Parrish about her virginity. Unfortunately, the following day he indiscreetly shares this information with the rest of the villa, spurring her to contemplate an early departure. Yet, her plans are disrupted when Christopher and Niccolò arrive, reigniting a whirlwind of emotions.

As evening falls, Niccolò and his brother Osvaldo join the gathering for dinner, which soon devolves into an impromptu party where the young guests indulge in marijuana. During a conversation about their experiences with virginity, Lucy finds herself rekindling a connection with Parrish, where they swap stories of lost innocence. The evening takes a dramatic turn when Osvaldo expresses his disdain for both the juvenile conversation and the adult political debates.

Lucy’s interactions with Niccolò grow increasingly intense as she grapples with her feelings toward him, culminating in a mortifying incident when she accidentally vomits in his lap. The following day, she rides her bicycle to the Donati estate in search of Niccolò, only to be informed that he is busy in the garden. Disappointment hits hard when she finds him with another companion, forcing her to flee in distress. As she leaves, Osvaldo attempts to greet her, but she is too consumed by her emotions to respond.

In a later scene, while posing for a sketch outdoors, Lucy inadvertently exposes herself. Niccolò and Osvaldo arrive in a car, with Niccolò’s gaze fixed intently on her, while Osvaldo seems more interested in the scenery. Lucy then wanders into an olive grove, where Niccolò follows her and initiates a passionate kiss that is abruptly ended when Lucy recoils, overwhelmed by confusion.

Seeking answers about her past, Lucy reveals to Parrish a cherished notebook belonging to her mother, which might hold clues about her biological father. Through introspective conversations, they discover that various images from her mother’s life—such as the love for green sandals and olive leaves—could lead her to her father’s identity.

That evening, Lucy dons her mother’s dress for the Donati’s annual soirée, where she finds Niccolò seemingly disinterested and entangled with another woman. Moments later, she watches as Osvaldo captivates the crowd with a mesmerizing clarinet performance, sharing a moment of connection as they lock eyes. Emboldened by the evening’s events, Lucy partners with a charming Englishman and returns to the Grayson villa for a night filled with innocent yet tender gestures.

The following morning brings shocking news of Parrish’s hospitalization, prompting Lucy to sneak into his room. While looking at a sculpture of a mother and child created by Ian, a startling revelation dawns on her. When confronted about his whereabouts on the day of her conception, Ian hints at carrying out tasks at the villa, leading her to the unsettling realization that he is her biological father. Lucy resolves to keep this significant truth to herself.

Just then, Osvaldo arrives, embodying a sense of purpose. As Lucy stumbles into a swarm of bees, he comes to her rescue, applying clay to soothe her injuries. In this tranquil countryside setting, Osvaldo shares his long-concealed secret—he once wrote a heartfelt letter to Lucy that she keeps close to her heart. Their conversation sets the stage for an intimate encounter beneath a starlit sky, where Lucy and Osvaldo give in to their desires, solidifying a profound bond amid the whispers of their shared vulnerabilities. As dawn breaks, Osvaldo reveals it was his first experience as well, intertwining their destinies in an unforgettable embrace.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 15:19