Magari (Ginevra Elkann, 2019): Switzerland

Reviewed by Christiana Leonardo. Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2020.

Textured and layered, Magari is so expertly executed a dysfunctional family vacation. Our point of view begins through the eyes of 7 year old Alma who desperately wants to parent-trap her parents back together after they divorced before she was two years old. Alma will make deals with God to scheme her dreams into reality, praying, leaving false symbols and even taking a swig of urine in order to get what she wants.
Not having seen their father for two years, slightly older brothers are more skeptical of their dad’s ability to love and care for them. Sent off on a ski vacation (that ends up being a more economic beach vacation) the children entertain themselves whilst their father writes unsuccessful scripts. The three tight-knit siblings getting into trouble with some of the locals.
Each character that comes on screen is fully realized, their own qualms they battle are so subtle and woven fluidly into this family drama. The beach is the place where all is well while tensions build in the beach house. The eldest brother wants to be treated like the man with all the responsibilities he is saddled with. The middle child with physical maladies wants to be healthy and powerful….even super. The littlest wants everyone to be together and happy. Will anyone get what they want? Magari translates imperfectly to “it would be nice” or “if only.” The longing in this phrase is present throughout the authentically written story. Although this is Ginevra Elkann’s directorial debut, this feature carries a very seasoned quality. The sense of stillness and intrigue this film gave me was one of the highlights of SBIFF.