When Anna, a beautiful young girl full of smarts and potential, is found dead along a remote lake in the mountains of Friuli, it is up to a brilliant detective from Southern Italy to piece together the clues and find the culprit of this horrific act against humanity. But with a long list of possible suspects and not a single alibi to be heard, Commissioner Sanzio must act on every clue and lead, sending Anna's friends and family into a spiderweb of deceit and earth-shattering revelations.
Led by the talented work of Toni Servillo, who brings the intelligent and self-controled Commissioner Sanzio to life, The Girl by the Lake is a unique film full of mystery and suspense. However, unlike the high speed chases and dark secrets that corrupt many American films, this Italian masterpiece relies on its story to build momentum and suspense. As a result, the picture reaches incredible heights as a raw and authentic story paves way to a devilishly clever set of characters and events.
From Anna's boyfriend, sister and freakishly-close father to her former employers and the lake's lone regulars, every character within this film proves to be both interesting and pivotal to its overall flow and success. Their combined mysterious nature, mixed with their guilty attributes and emotionless delivery, make you wonder and question each of their motives and opportunity in which to commit the crime.
Valeria Golino, Fabrizio Gifuni and Omero Antonutti serve as the film's highlighting performances; though to be honest, none of the actors give unflattering representations of their respective characters. Their poignant portrayals, full of life and emotion, beg for your interest throughout. This makes for one of the few times when an ensemble works well both independently and when clustered together
Much of that credit goes to director Andrea Molaioli, a winner of the Italian Oscar for Best New Director. Through his keen use of landscapes and motions, Molaioli is able to successfully capture the intensity and tranquility of the Italian countryside. As a result, the film carries a unique feel to it; one that challenges the stylistic approach that has forever been a benchmark in American film. Rather than in your face, The Girl by the Lake is more subtle, real and complex. It is a film for the mind, and that, in and of itself, is something worth experiencing.
*This film features Italian dialogue with English subtitles.
*This title is available exclusively through IFC Video on Demand.
