Review – Every Blessed Day
Antonia and Guido are a mismatched couple who, in their early thirties, are trying to get a handle on their relationship. Under pressure from friends and family to marry, buy a house, get a station wagon, have a child, settle down and blossom into mature adults, they decide to seek out IVF treatments in the hope of conceiving a child. Every Blessed Day (Tutti i santi giorni) is a love story, and a sweet little one at that, about the trials and melodrama of an ongoing relationship.
And the film works, melodrama and all, because the leads are so believable together. Federica Victoria Caiozzo, an Italian singer otherwise known by her stage name Thony, turns out to be quite the naturalistic actor in this her film debut. She plays Antonia with such a delightful energy that I relished every moment of her screen time. (She is particularly entertaining when she’s ripping off a stream of Italian obscenities – her vai affanculo’s are divine.) Luca Marinelli, likewise, gives us a charmingly believable portrayal of the bookish Guido. And it’s a performance that works because he knows not to overplay it: he’s shy enough to be an interesting character, but assertive enough that we can understand why the fiery Antonia would be into him. And, on that note, it doesn’t hurt that they’re both a bit dishy. Why are these people together? Because they’re both bloody nice to look at.
The tone of this film is a bit choppy, and so is the direction. For the most part Every Blessed Day is shot like a soap opera, but there are a few dramatic moments where some clever camerawork is utilised – I couldn’t help but feel Paolo Virzì might have done better by keeping an even tone. But if there are occasional misfires, the film itself is kept together by some endearing supporting roles and a slightly unconventional take on the romantic comedy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqtfywGOI80&w=400]
