Written by Isabella Baute Arboleda
Ambition can open doors, but it can also lead to dangerous choices. That is the case of The Big Fake, a new Italian movie now streaming on Netflix. Set in 1970s Rome, the film is inspired by real events and explores the dark world of art forgery and crime.
The story follows Toni (Pietro Castellitto), an inspiring artist who moves to Rome in hopes of building a successful life. His talent slowly pulls him into the criminal world, where he becomes a skilled forger for criminal gangs. As his work grows, so do the risks, showing how ambition and desire can slowly take over a person and his life.
One of the movie’s strongest elements is its visual immersion. The cars, music, clothing, and city streets feel authentic to 1970s Rome. These details in the setting create a strong sense of time and place, making it easy to feel immersed. Another aspect in the movie that works is the sense of intrigue. The Big Fake keeps the audience interested from the start, with an intriguing beginning, making it easy to want to know what happens next. But at the same time, some scenes, especially the ending, could have conveyed more emotion. The final moments are surprising, but the emotional impact is limited, leaving the audience impressed but not fully moved.
Giulia Michelini as Donata delivers strong performances. In a scene where Donata faces a conflict with Toni, the intensity of the fight is evident in her expressions, showcasing the actor’s real skill. Castellitto also does a great job of showing Toni’s desires and choices throughout the movie. Even with strong acting, some scenes lack emotional depth, making it harder to connect with the characters at times.
The movie could have been stronger with a slightly longer runtime and more details in its scenes. Expanding emotional moments with more information would have helped the audience connect more deeply and made the story even more memorable.
In conclusion, The Big Fake is a good movie, with good acting, immersive visuals, and a sense of intrigue that keeps the audience engaged. However, the lack of emotional depth in some scenes and the rushed feeling toward the end prevent it from being excellent. It tells an interesting story, but it may not stand out on Netflix.
