Stella is blissfully happy. Her wedding dress is ready to be collected and the big day itself is only a few weeks away. But an ill-fated stroll in the Italian countryside shatters her happiness when she is viciously attacked by four masked men. She is unable to identify her assailants, but one of them is Franco, the maker of her wedding dress. Struggling to handle the shock, Stella’s relationship crumbles. But when Franco happens to see the unsuspecting Stella several months later, he sets about wooing her. The terrible, dramatic irony of the situation – a victim unwittingly dating her attacker – electrifies this film with suspense. Tension is ratcheted up to an almost unbearable degree by means of a clever, elusive script that keeps the audience guessing and by sharp, jagged editing, reflecting Franco’s increasing level of guilt. More of a psychological portrait than a straight thriller, the film examines both rapist and victim with equal frankness. Whilst sympathy is not strong for Franco, it is intriguing to see the impact of his actions dawning on him as he falls for Stella. The portrayal of Stella’s ordeal is the most striking aspect however: from the shocking rape scene, to the sweeping coldness that we see tragically envelop her. This is an accomplished debut: stylish, powerful drama, both incisive and heartbreaking, director Fiorella Infascelli weaves a dark and disturbing tale. JG
