Parthenope (2024)

Detailed Summary

Birth of a Siren (1950–1968)

Parthenope is born in the Bay of Naples—a literal emergence from the sea, evoking the legendary siren of the same name. As she grows, her beauty entrances everyone: her devoted brother Raimondo, the family’s chauffeur’s son Sandrino, professors, priests, and passersby.

Golden Summer in Capri & Tragedy

In 1968, during a lush Capri vacation, tensions bubble. Sandrino seduces Parthenope, which triggers Raimondo’s crisis. He tragically throws himself off a cliff mid-trip, traumatic and guilt‑laden for Parthenope.

Girl Interrupted: Trouble, Truth & Transformation

Parthenope attempts different lives—studying anthropology under the stern Devoto Marotta, dabbling in acting (encountering flamboyant local icons Flora Malva and Greta Cool), and seducing a Camorra figure, Roberto Criscuolo, resulting in a pregnancy and abortion.

Spiritual Provocation & Intellectual Awakening

Her academic career leads her to research miracles like San Gennaro’s blood. Cardinal Tesorone seduces her in a limo; during their act, the miracle occurs—liquefaction of the blood—hinting at Naples’s complex blend of beauty and sacredness.

Acceptance & Embrace of Self (2023)

Now a respected professor in Trento, Parthenope returns to Naples. She reconciles her brother’s death, forgives her city’s contradictions, and observes local fans celebrating a major Napoli football victory—her final smile signaling acceptance and belonging.

Movie Ending

Parthenope concludes on a reflective and redemptive note: now elderly, she returns to Naples. A key moment: she walks through Capri, finally laying her guilt over Raimondo to rest. Then she witnesses a jubilant crowd celebrating Napoli’s latest Scudetto—her smile filled with genuine belonging. This contrasts starkly with her earlier alienation. The ending completes her journey from dislocation to acceptance—both internally and with her native city.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes! At the start of the end credits, Parthenope is seen wandering Naples at night, suitcase in hand, as a parade float of soccer fans passes by. She pauses, watching—underscoring her renewed connection to her city. There are no additional stingers after the credits.

Type of Movie

A coming‑of‑age drama spanning several decades, with strong art‑house and symbolic elements. Visually sumptuous and emotionally meditative, it’s philosophical, episodic, and introspective.

Cast

• Celeste Dalla Porta — Parthenope
• Stefania Sandrelli — Older Parthenope
• Gary Oldman — Writer John Cheever
• Silvio Orlando — Professor Devoto Marotta
• Luisa Ranieri — Actress Greta Cool
• Isabella Ferrari, Peppe Lanzetta — Supporting roles.

Film Music and Composer

Score composed by Lele Marchitelli, known for blending classic orchestration with Italian stylistic flair. A standout soundtrack moment features “Che Cosa C’è” by Gino Paoli over the credits.

Filming Locations & Their Importance

• Naples & Bay of Naples – birthplace of the character and symbolic core, evoking the mythic origins of Parthenope.
• Capri – site of youth, beauty, tragedy (Raimondo’s death), and crucial transformation.
• Trento – her academic refuge and stage of self‑acceptance, marking a key contrast with her roots.

Awards and Nominations

• Competing for the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2024.
• Received 15 nominations at Italy’s 70th David di Donatello Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress.
• Cinematographer Daria D’Antonio won acclaim at Cannes.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Backed and produced in part by Yves Saint Laurent, who also designed costumes—melding fashion with cinema in an auteur move.
• Sorrentino continues his unspoken trilogy: The Great Beauty (Rome), The Hand of God (Naples), and now Parthenope (Naples again)—a thematic circle.
• The San Gennaro miracle‑sex scene sparked controversy; Italian Church leaders considered it sacrilegious.

Inspirations and References

• Named after the siren from Greek mythology, symbolizing allure and inevitable tragedy.
• Echoes elements of Fellini’s City of Women and Sorrentino’s ongoing reflection on beauty, disillusion, and urban myth-making.
• Seamlessly blends Neapolitan folklore, Catholic tradition, academia, Camorra rites, and myth into a lush cultural tapestry.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There is no public record of alternate endings. The film was already considered lengthy, and it’s believed several episodic sequences were trimmed—but nothing crucial like the final reconciliation was cut.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Not based on a novel—an original screenplay by Paolo Sorrentino. However, it draws deeply on Neapolitan myths and intertextual European cinema, especially Roman and Fellini-esque influences.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Capri cliffs: The tragic suicide of Raimondo—turning point for Parthenope.
• San Gennaro limo scene: where faith, sex, and skepticism collide.
• Final Naples soccer celebration: full-circle emotional closure.

Iconic Quotes

• Parthenope: “Desire is a mystery, and sex is its funeral.”
• John Cheever (Gary Oldman): “Life’s full of misfortunes… Beauty’s like war. It opens doors.”
• Professor Marotta: “Anthropology is not knowledge. It’s the acceptance of not knowing.” (Paraphrase based on thematic motif)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Parthenope’s name and birth in the sea references the mythical siren who founded Naples.
• The blood-‑liquefaction during sex scene critiques Naples’s mix of faith and indulgence.
• Flashes of ultra soccer fans, camorra rites, and Catholic pageantry echo Neapolitan identity and contradictions.

Trivia

• Celeste Dalla Porta was Sorrentino’s first-ever female lead in a feature film.
• Costume and production design heavily supported by Saint Laurent—a major first in cinema.
• The film holds strong visual atmosphere but polarized audiences–with some seeing it as a “lifestyle commercial”.

Why Watch?

Because it’s a lush, poetic journey through beauty, grief, and self‑acceptance—themes rarely given such care in modern cinema. For those who love Italy, mythic storytelling, and visual sophistication, Parthenope is an emotionally detailed and symbol‑rich experience.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Great Beauty (2013)
• The Hand of God (2021)
• Youth (2015)
• Il Divo (2008)
• This Must Be the Place (2011)

Recommended Films for Fans

• City of Women (1980)
• The Great Beauty (2013)
• La Dolce Vita (1960)
• The Hand of God (2021)
• Youth (2015)