The Keys to the House 2004

Gianni (Kim Rossi Stuart) has placed his handicapped son, Paolo (Andrea Rossi), under the care of others since his birth. Struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of Paolo’s mother during childbirth, Gianni has been unable to accept that his son hasn’t developed like other children due to his condition. Now, at the age of fifteen, Paolo is set to meet Gianni for the very first time. The caretakers suggest that Gianni take him to a Berlin hospital for annual tests and check-ups, believing that the “shock” of this initial meeting could offer Paolo some therapeutic benefits.

As Gianni boards the night train where Paolo is already seated, he is taken aback by his son’s reaction. Rather than showing excitement or anxiety about their encounter, Paolo appears indifferent, preoccupied with his Game Boy instead. The unexpected connection continues as Gianni encounters Nicole (Charlotte Rampling) at the Berlin hospital. Feeling a mix of awkwardness and shame at being recognized as the father of a child with such a disability, Gianni finds a surprising bond with Nicole. Having devoted her life to caring for her own daughter, she holds valuable insights that Gianni could learn from, should he be open to hearing them.

Their paths continue to intertwine through a series of serendipitous meetings, spurred on by a book left behind by Nicole, intriguingly titled Born Twice (Italian title: Nati due volte), which coincidentally serves as the source material for this film. Each encounter deepens their conversation, allowing Gianni to confront his fears and reservations while slowly beginning to connect with both Paolo and the notion of fatherhood.