
Italian director Matteo Garrone (THE EMBALMER) returns with PRIMO AMORE, a harrowing psychological drama about a truly dysfunctional man. Vittorio (a striking Vitaliano Trevisan) is a goldsmith who has issues when it comes to finding a partner. A perfectionist at heart, Vittorio can't seem to find a woman that fits his ideal in body and mind. However, when he meets Sonia (Michela Cescon), he thinks he's found his dream girl. The only problem is that, according to Vittorio, the already thin Sonia could afford to lose a little more weight. What begins as a mutually loving relationship quickly descends into a nightmarish depiction of male cruelty, with Vittorio tormenting, bullying, and forcing Sonia into an anorexic state.Known more for his writing than his acting, co-writer Trevisan is devastating as the terrifying but charming Vittorio, which adds another layer of depth to the already murky proceedings. As the tortured, innocent Sonia, Cescon delivers a brave, heartbreaking performance. In the tradition of THE PIANO TEACHER and IN MY SKIN, PRIMO AMORE is a horror film in the guise of a psychological drama, featuring stellar cinematography from Marco Onorato and a haunting score from Italian musicians Banda Osiris.