Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘Parthenope’ Teases Trailer Before Global Theatrical Release

Italian distributor Piper Film, Fremantle, and Pathé have released the international trailer for Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope.” This highly anticipated film is gearing up for its global debut following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Praised by Variety critic Siddhant Adlakha as “An exquisite treatise on cinematic beauty,” “Parthenope” is a heartfelt tribute to Sorrentino’s native city, Naples. The film explores themes of “missed youth” as a follow-up to Sorrentino’s autobiographical film “The Hand of God.”

The central character is a young woman from Naples named Parthenope, portrayed by newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta. Adlakha describes her performance as “beguiling,” adding that Parthenope’s beauty captivates everyone around her.

“Parthenope” delves into the filmmaker’s artistic quest to understand inner beauty and its impact on how we perceive the world. It’s a narrative that Sorrentino uses to explore deeper transformative truths through aesthetic discovery, as noted by Adlakha.

The star-studded cast includes Gary Oldman as American novelist John Cheever, Luisa Ranieri, Stefania Sandrelli, and Silvio Orlando. Each brings unique elements to the film, enriching it with their extraordinary talents.

Piper Film plans an innovative release strategy in Italy, featuring midnight premieres in select cinemas from Sept. 19 to 25, to generate buzz and qualify for Italy’s international Oscar candidate selection. A wider release will follow on Oct. 24 in Italian cinemas.

Earlier in May, before its Cannes premiere, “Parthenope” was swiftly sold internationally by Pathé, including to A24 for the North American market. A24 is set to release the film later this year, while Pathé has scheduled the French release for Jan. 8, 2025.

In a statement to Variety, Sorrentino expressed his excitement: “’Parthenope’ is now starting its long journey in cinemas all around the world. A journey made up of impossible loves, and loves that were just missed opportunities. But it’s this very imperfection that makes life fascinating and youth unforgettable. And against this backdrop, there is Naples, the great love that was instead fulfilled.”

“Parthenope” is a Fremantle film co-produced by its The Apartment label with France’s Pathé. It is associated with Sorrentino’s Numero 10, PiperFilm, Saint Laurent from Anthony Vaccarello, and Logical Content Ventures, with additional support from Canal+ and Cine+ participation.

Source: Variety