Moody thriller and effective drama, La Sconosciuta ranks with Nuovo Cinema Paradiso and La Leggenda del Pianista sull'Oceano among Tornatore's best movies.
Mysterious Irena infiltrates an upper-class family, while at the same time sinister people from her past stalk her. The way her story unravels is compelling, character work canny. Protagonist Kseniya Rappoport, with her gaunt face and haunted eyes, is phenomenal: she is both bitter and frail, sinister and pitiable. Supporting performances are strong.
La Sconosciuta is also surprisingly moving, earning its pathos by not pulling any punch. The main character's actions are often unsettling in spite of her sympathetic motivation, which we slowly understand through the film.
Master Ennio Morricone adds another magnificent soundtrack to his resume.
7,5/10
Mysterious Irena infiltrates an upper-class family, while at the same time sinister people from her past stalk her. The way her story unravels is compelling, character work canny. Protagonist Kseniya Rappoport, with her gaunt face and haunted eyes, is phenomenal: she is both bitter and frail, sinister and pitiable. Supporting performances are strong.
La Sconosciuta is also surprisingly moving, earning its pathos by not pulling any punch. The main character's actions are often unsettling in spite of her sympathetic motivation, which we slowly understand through the film.
Master Ennio Morricone adds another magnificent soundtrack to his resume.
7,5/10