From director Edoardo De Anglis comes the gritty Italian drama Indivisible. Screening at the Lavazza Italian Film Festival this internationally acclaimed film explores complex family relationships, religion, identity and life in modern Italy.
Indivisible follows the journey of conjoined twins and talented performers Daisy and Viola (Angela and Marianna Fontana), as they try to find their place in a world ruled by superstition and blind faith. After a chance encounter with a doctor, the girls learn that they can in fact be separated; contrary to what their money-hungry parents have made them believe. So begins their quest for freedom and the long road to self-discovery.
The film is at times challenging to digest as the sisters confront betrayal and exploitation at every turn, a feeling which is only further magnified by the bleak coastal setting. Unlike the typically portrayed luxurious beaches and quaint seaside towns, this Italy is raw, and uncomfortably real in its depiction of poverty, addiction, and religion.
It is here amongst the dimly lit bedrooms and ragged coastline shanties that the characters take shape as they each battle to overcome their demons, all with a little help from Jesus. De Anglis employs traditional religious narratives throughout the film, relying heavily on iconic symbology and superstition to contrast the role of religion in the lives of his characters.
However, the real centerpiece of the film is the love these two sisters share for each other. Throughout the story the twins battle with the changing nature of their relationship, and the prospect of having separate lives after being intertwined as one for so long. As they come to terms with the future, they experience anger, sadness, elation, and finally acceptance, ultimately finding peace on knifes edge.
Indivisible is a gripping dark film which makes you question the power of faith and family, and the price you would pay for freedom.
