Nuovo Olimpo Review: an intense and passionate Netflix love story

Ferzan Ozpetek’s new movie Nuovo Olimpo arrives on the streaming platform on November 1st, a must-watch for viewers.

SYNOPSIS

The story takes place in Rome during the 1970s, where Enea, a self-assured and aspiring young director, meets Pietro, a bashful medical student with no prior experience with men. They cross paths at the Nuovo Olimpo cinema, and an instant attraction ignites between them. While Enea suggests going to the cinema bathroom, which is a common practice among the visitors, Pietro prefers to be alone with Enea and not surrounded by strangers.

Two young men fall in love and spend a few incredible days together. However, during a protest, they got separated before meeting again. As time passes, Enea becomes a famous openly gay director and is in a relationship with his partner, Antonio. In contrast, Pietro becomes a surgeon and gets married to Giulia, a woman.

The movie spans over 45 years, from 1970 to 2015, following the story of two lovers who never forget each other but are never able to meet again. However, destiny has a different plan for them, and eventually, they reunite.

OUR TAKE

The Turkish director has once again delivered an emotional and romantic movie. If you’re not familiar with his work, most of his movies, except for two, are autobiographical and based on his experiences and life. Nuovo Olimpo is no exception, as it is based on a three-day-long profound relationship between the director, Ozpetek, and a man.

Nuovo Olimpo is a poignant portrayal of love and passion and the profound impact it has on one’s life when it’s not experienced fully. The director has created yet another exquisite, graceful, and poetic movie. The stunning homes, terraces, delicious food, cakes, and pastries are a trademark of his movies. Set in Rome, Nuovo Olimpo pays tribute to the cinema itself.

WOMEN AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT ROLES IN THE MOVIE

Enea and Pietro’s love is at the center of the movie. Gavino and Di Luigi gave incredible performances. A special mention should be given to the three actresses for their significant roles in the movie.

First and foremost, we have Luisa Ranieri playing the role of Titti. She is no stranger to the Netflix audience, having appeared in the movie The Hand of God. The Italian movie was even nominated at the Oscars in 2023. She is one of the best contemporary Italian actresses and deserves all the recognition she can get.

Titti is a big fan of the famous Italian singer Mina. She admires Mina’s fashion sense and wants to emulate her style. The make-up department deserves credit for their excellent work, as Ranieri’s transformation is astounding; she looks just like Mina. Titti is content with her life and does not have any grievances.

Fun fact: Ozpetek is a close friend of Mina. When he told her about the Nuovo Omilpo project, Mina suggested Ranieri.

Aurora Giovinazzo played the role of Alice, Enea’s inseparable best friend, work wife, and, at times, lover.

Greta Scarano portrays Giulia, a melancholic wife who knows she is loved “lukewarmly” by a man who can’t forget his first true love.

Nuovo Olimpo is a captivating and emotional movie, one of the best Italian productions ever produced by Netflix.

An unexpected meeting can transform into a genuine, intense, and everlasting love that will stay in the hearts and minds of the lovers forever. A small part of them will always wonder what their life would have been like if they had made it to the restaurant in Rome instead of being held up by the protests.

It’s pretty disappointing that a movie of this incredible quality hasn’t been promoted outside of Italy by the streamer.