Raindance Film Festival 2025 Review – Paternal Leave

      Paternal Leave, 2025.

      Directed by Alissa Jung.

      Featuring Juli Grabenhenrich, Luca Marinelli, and Arturo Gabbriellini.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A teenage girl journeys to the northern coast of Italy to find her biological father. Upon meeting, they confront complicated emotions and struggle to build a connection while remaining true to themselves.

      Alissa Jung’s debut film is an extraordinary work, adeptly exploring the nuanced challenges of parenthood and the deep human yearning to create a stable and nurturing home. The stunning scenery of the Emilia-Romagna coastline serves as a dramatic and scenic backdrop for a contemplation of family ties and self-exploration. The remarkable cinematography and visual appeal displayed throughout the film affirm that the Italian setting is a crucial aspect of this unforgettable feature.

      We follow 15-year-old Leo, portrayed authentically by Juli Grabenhenrich, who lives in Germany with her mother. Subtle hints through voice messages reveal a loving yet somewhat distant relationship between them. Her mother’s constant busyness further fuels Leo's determination to undertake a significant journey: to find her biological father, Paolo, played by Luca Marinelli, who she learns is now residing in Northern Italy.

      Despite being a German speaker with no knowledge of Italian, Leo cleverly navigates her way to the wild beachfront café where her father has built a life. Paolo is visibly surprised by her unexpected arrival and quickly ensures she’s fed before they tackle the challenging task of conversing. This difficult communication forms the core of the film, as father and daughter attempt to understand the complicated circumstances that have brought them together.

      Jung’s screenplay notably refrains from harshly judging Paolo, instead allowing his backstory and present situation to emerge through well-crafted scenes. He now has a partner and a young daughter living nearby, and he seeks to keep Leo’s presence hidden from them. Marinelli's performance is exceptional, portraying Paolo in a sympathetic light, although there’s a lingering sense that past mistakes and missed opportunities could resurface.

      A well-crafted arc within the narrative is embodied by local boy Edoardo (Arturo Gabbriellini), who quickly befriends Leo. Edoardo grapples with significant paternal issues as his father struggles to accept his true identity. The two teens find commonality in their familial struggles and envision a brighter future together. This creates another poignant moment in this beautifully created film, which seeks to address the painful experiences of living under someone who cannot acknowledge the real you.

      Leo’s own quest to understand her father and the reasons for his long absence is skillfully depicted. The film’s exquisite use of poetic imagery drawn from nature infuses this timeless tale of forgiveness with life. Each frame enhances the dreamlike quality of the narrative, making it a reflective experience for anyone pondering the significance of human connection.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert W Monk