The Hand of God 2021
Directed by
Paolo Sorrentino
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Hand of God (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1984 Naples, young Fabietto Schisa (Filippo Scotti) savors a carefree adolescence surrounded by a loving family and their colorful friends. However, the tranquility of their lives is abruptly disrupted by a series of personal crises: Patrizia (Luisa Ranieri), Fabietto’s aunt, endures abuse from her husband; Marchino (Marlon Joubert) faces disappointment as his acting aspirations crumble following a failed audition with the legendary Federico Fellini; and Saverio (Toni Servillo) betrays Maria (Teresa Saponangelo) through infidelity.
In the midst of this chaos, the arrival of soccer superstar Diego Maradona gives the city a glimmer of hope and joy, particularly for Fabietto, who finds a sense of solace in Maradona’s brilliance amid the turmoil of family tensions. As Saverio and Maria work toward reconciliation, they purchase a villa in Roccaraso for family holidays, extending an invitation to Fabietto. Unfortunately, he decides to skip the getaway in favor of attending a thrilling Napoli-Empoli match to witness Maradona play live.
Tragedy strikes when Saverio and Maria perish due to a carbon monoxide leak at the villa, plunging the Schisa siblings into profound grief. Fabietto, unable to say goodbye to his parents and wrestling with overwhelming survivor’s guilt, finds himself seeking guidance. He stumbles upon wisdom from his uncle Alfredo (Renato Carpentieri), who suggests that Fabietto was spared by “the hand of God.” With these sentiments, Fabietto embarks on a journey searching for meaning amidst his sorrow.
In parallel, Aunt Patrizia is admitted to a psychiatric institution, where during a visit, she reveals her own traumatic experiences, including a miraculous pregnancy linked to Saint Gennaro and the “munaciello,” followed by the tragedy of a miscarriage due to further abuse. Feeling constrained by her circumstances, she chose the refuge of hospitalization, which ignites Fabietto’s ambition to relocate to Rome.
His life takes another turn when Fabietto embarks on his first sexual encounter with the sympathetic Baroness Focale (Betty Pedrazzi), who offers a listening ear to his struggles, and forges a friendship with Armando (Biagio Manna), a smuggler wrapped in the dealings of Neapolitan crime.
Driven by a fascination for cinematography and inspired by a film and a captivating actress, Fabietto dreams of pursuing film studies. Yet, as his relationships with Marchino and Daniela falter—Marchino shying away from reality, and Daniela revealing a shocking family secret about a half-brother born from their father’s affair—his conviction to pursue his passion strengthens. A pivotal moment occurs during a performance when Antonio Capuano (Ciro Capano), a director, delivers a harsh critique of actress Yulia, impelling Fabietto to confess his yearning to study cinema in Rome. However, Capuano warns against using escape as a remedy for pain, urging him to embrace the stories of Naples.
As Napoli triumphs in securing its first league title, Fabietto recommits to his promise of moving to Rome. On the train ride to the city, he encounters a “munaciello” at a lonely station, harkening back to the affectionate whistle he so cherished from his parents.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Hand of God (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
A Carefree Adolescence
In 1984 Naples, Fabietto Schisa enjoys a joyful and carefree adolescence, surrounded by his loving family and the vibrant personalities of their friends. This period encapsulates the blissful innocence of youth before the ensuing crises.
Aunt Patrizia's Struggles
Fabietto's aunt, Patrizia, suffers abuse at the hands of her husband, which casts a shadow over the family dynamics. This personal crisis sets the stage for deeper familial tensions and highlights the precariousness of their seemingly happy lives.
Marchino's Disappointment
Fabietto's friend Marchino faces heartbreak after a failed audition with the illustrious filmmaker Federico Fellini. This event marks a pivotal moment in Marchino’s life as he grapples with his dashed dreams and aspirations in the acting world.
Saverio's Infidelity
Tensions rise further when Saverio betrays Maria's trust through infidelity, complicating the relationships within the family. The betrayal carries weighty implications, distressing both Saverio and Maria's journey toward reconciliation.
Diego Maradona's Arrival
The arrival of soccer superstar Diego Maradona introduces a source of joy and hope to the city amid the chaos of familial challenges. For Fabietto, Maradona's brilliance on the field provides a much-needed escape from the turbulence at home.
Villa in Roccaraso
In an attempt to strengthen their bond, Saverio and Maria buy a villa in Roccaraso for family holidays, inviting Fabietto to join them. However, Fabietto chooses to forego this offer in favor of experiencing the excitement of a live Napoli-Empoli match.
Tragedy Strikes
A devastating turn of events occurs when Saverio and Maria die from carbon monoxide poisoning at the villa. This tragic incident overwhelms Fabietto with grief and survivor’s guilt, marking a significant turning point in his life.
Seeking Guidance
In the wake of his parents' death, Fabietto finds himself searching for meaning, seeking counsel from his uncle Alfredo. Alfredo console him with the notion that he was spared by 'the hand of God,' which initiates Fabietto's quest for understanding.
Aunt Patrizia's Admission
Fabietto visits Aunt Patrizia in a psychiatric institution, where she shares her traumatic past with him. Her experiences, including a miraculous pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage, resonate deeply with Fabietto as he considers his own future.
Dreams of Film Studies
Amidst personal turmoil, Fabietto's ambition to study cinematography grows stronger, influenced by a captivating film and actress. This dream fuels his desire to escape the restrictions of his surroundings and pursue a more fulfilling path.
Friendship with Armando
Fabietto forms a bond with Armando, a smuggler entangled in Neapolitan crime. This friendship provides mutual understanding and support, as both grapple with their respective adversities and search for their place.
Marchino and Daniela's Struggles
Fabietto's relationships with Marchino and Daniela begin to falter, as both friends deal with their own battles. Marchino retreats from reality, while Daniela reveals a shocking family secret about a half-brother, adding to Fabietto's sense of isolation.
Antonio Capuano's Critique
During a performance, director Antonio Capuano harshly critiques actress Yulia, igniting Fabietto's yearning to study cinema. This moment serves as a catalyst, prompting him to affirm his dream to move to Rome despite Capuano’s warning about escaping pain.
Napoli's Triumph
Napoli secures its first league title, symbolizing a moment of collective celebration for the city. Fabietto, inspired by the triumph, solidifies his promise to pursue his dream of moving to Rome and embracing new opportunities.
Journey to Rome
As Fabietto boards a train to Rome, he experiences a poignant moment when he encounters a 'munaciello' at a lonely station. This encounter evokes cherished memories of his parents, reinforcing his resolve to start anew in the vibrant city.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Hand of God (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Fabietto Schisa
Fabietto is a young boy navigating the complexities of adolescence surrounded by love and turmoil. His character evolves as he confronts loss, grief, and his aspirations for the future. Through his experiences, he embodies resilience and a thirst for understanding life's deeper meanings.
Saverio Schisa
Saverio is Fabietto's father, a character marked by emotional turmoil and infidelity. His actions profoundly affect his family's dynamics, embodying flawed humanity. Despite his shortcomings, his struggle for reconciliation reveals depth and a desire for family closeness.
Patrizia
Patrizia, Fabietto's aunt, represents the struggles women face in abusive relationships. Her journey through trauma and recovery highlights significant social themes, particularly mental health. As she seeks refuge, her experiences resonate with the broader challenges surrounding domestic violence.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Hand of God (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1984
The year 1984 marked a significant period in Italy, characterized by social and economic changes. It was also a pivotal time in sports, with Napoli gaining prominence in Serie A, which deeply impacted its local fans and culture. This era encapsulated a blend of personal struggles and national pride.
Location
Naples, Roccaraso, Rome
Naples is a vibrant city known for its rich history, culture, and as the birthplace of pizza. Roccaraso, a picturesque destination in the Italian mountains, offers stunning landscapes and a peaceful retreat, making it ideal for family getaways. Rome, the capital of Italy, is renowned for its ancient ruins, art, and as a center of cinema and culture.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Hand of God (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Hope
Hope emerges as a central theme through Fabietto's admiration for soccer superstar Diego Maradona, who symbolizes joy amid familial turmoil. Despite the chaos surrounding him, Fabietto finds solace in Maradona's brilliance, reflecting the power of sport to uplift spirits. The theme explores how hope can be a beacon in difficult times.
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Loss
Loss permeates Fabietto's journey, especially after the tragic deaths of his parents. This grief shapes his character as he grapples with survivor's guilt and seeks meaning in his life. The theme reveals the emotional scars left by tragedy and the quest for closure.
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Dreams
Dreams play a vital role in Fabietto's character development, particularly his aspiration to study cinematography. Inspired by cinema and personal experiences, he navigates through relationships and ambitions, showcasing the struggle to pursue one's dreams amidst challenging realities. The theme emphasizes the importance of dreams as a driving force for change.
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