RIFLE RANGE BOY: Nothing is as it seems.

A Chiara (Italian; 2022)
Director: Jonas Carpignano

That is what coming-of-age means. Growing up, we are imbibed with teachings of what is right and wrong. Our perception of the world is made, and we want to lead a life full of good virtues and abstain from negativities. Our first teachers about life, the future and the outside get a special honorarium in my mind. We placed them on a pedestal and became a reference point in our future decision-making.

Then we are slowly exposed to the outside world. We make friends. We become aware that life is not so straightforward after all. People do wrong things and are still cool about it. Our eyes are open to the reality of life. Suddenly our parents are not so saintly anymore. They have their gross shortcomings. The ideal world that we wanted to build becomes an unfulfilled dream. We become another spoke in the world of misfortune. Did the parents do what they did for the family's well-being, for a better life, fully aware that it was wrong? Is it the responsibility of the rest to be complicit in the cover-up? Or should be just squeal, as it is the right thing to do.

This long-burn drama uses many non-professional actors to tell that exact story. The story of Chiara starts with a boisterous 18th birthday party of her sister's. Many family members and friends attend. Intimacy is apparent amongst the many close-knit relatives. The father is shown as a sensitive, loving father.

The next morning Chiara's father goes missing after a car blast. Chiara is 15. Her mother, her elder sister as well as other members seem not too concerned about his disappearance. On her phone, Chiara learns that her father is a fugitive and is on the run for Mafia-related activities. In the meantime, Chiara beats up a fellow student at school. In view of her exposure to the Mafia, the social service decides to send her off to a foster family. Chiara has to grow up fast to make a decision about which way she wants her future to be - a brand one away from all the current trappings or one intertwined with the Mafia.