Named one of the top 5 international films of 2023 by the National Board of Review, “La Chimera” weaves a dreamlike narrative through Tuscany's archaeological wonders, invoking cinematic giants like Pasolini, Fellini, Olmi, and the Taviani brothers. The film pays homage to Italy's rich cinematic history, immersing viewers in a mind palace filled with ghosts and treasures.
Arthur, a former archeological scholar with a knack for locating antiquities using a dowsing rod, pursues his long-lost love Beniamina amidst the Etruscan treasures. Reconnecting with his beloved's aristocratic mother, Flora (Isabella Rossellini), and caretaker Italia (Carol Duarte), Arthur's quest takes a compelling turn. Freshly released from an Italian prison, he reunites with his eclectic crew to unearth a fifth-century relic, sparking questions about ownership and the morality of plundering the past.
Rohrwacher's storytelling, coupled with Hélène Louvart's cinematography, seamlessly shifts between 35mm, Super 16, and 16mm, blurring the lines between waking and sleeping worlds. La Chimera is a cinematic treasure, capturing the layered weight of ages and leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.