Moretti’s Melodrama: When Romance Turns into a Soap Opera

Nanni Moretti has always been a director of contrasts. His films blend humor and pathos with ease, yet also possess a detached observational quality. This dichotomy is on full display in his latest release, It Will Happen Tonight, which attempts to craft a romance spanning decades, continents, and generations.

Moretti’s filmography is marked by eclecticism and a willingness to take risks. He has explored various themes, including art, politics, family, and even the Catholic Church, in films like We Have a Pope. Despite this versatility, his work is often characterized by an undercurrent of introspection, setting him apart from more cynical filmmakers.

In It Will Happen Tonight, Moretti tackles love – a universal theme that has captivated audiences for generations. The story follows two individuals who meet, part ways, and continue to cross paths despite the odds against them. This narrative is both sprawling and intimate, spanning multiple locations, time zones, and even musical genres, as seen in Bruce Springsteen’s cameo.

The film’s tone is a masterful balancing act between lightness and darkness. Moretti’s direction brings out genuine humor, particularly through his own portrayal of Greta’s father, while also showcasing quieter moments that highlight the vulnerability of his actors. Jasmine Trinca and Louis Garrel share undeniable chemistry, making their characters’ long-suffering love feel palpable.

However, as the film reaches its later stages, melodrama takes over, and coincidences pile up at an alarming rate. Moretti’s usually reliable touch falters here, succumbing to sappiness that threatens to engulf the narrative. The script requires a significant leap of faith from the outset, and while some viewers may forgive its transgressions for the sake of romance, others will find themselves checking their watches.

Moretti’s approach raises questions about his filmmaking philosophy: has he finally succumbed to sentimentalism, or is this merely a calculated risk? The answer remains unclear, but one thing is certain – It Will Happen Tonight is an ambitious attempt at crafting a romance that spans decades. Whether Moretti succeeds due to genius or good fortune is open to interpretation.

The film leaves many questions unanswered: what does love truly mean in today’s globalized and connected world? Can we find our soulmates, or are they merely the product of chance encounters? The film’s value lies not in providing answers but in posing these questions and daring us to confront the complexities of human emotion head-on.

In a world where love has become increasingly commodified, Moretti’s willingness to take risks is refreshing. It Will Happen Tonight may not be his masterpiece or even his best work in years, but it’s undoubtedly an important one. Perhaps this film marks the beginning of a new era of cinematic romance that refuses to shy away from the messy realities of love itself.