Mascarpone

"Mascarpone" is a gay masterpiece; I have not seen a film like this in a very long time. Contrary to the general consensus, I believe the rating should be way higher. This film excels where most gay films fall short: character development. Every character is fully fleshed out, making their journeys deeply engaging and relatable. Italy has been bringing some serious gay cinema lately, and "Mascarpone" is a prime example. The movie is superb, and our community needs more films like this. The story is heartfelt, the direction is impeccable, and Lorenzo Adorni is simply gorgeous. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking quality gay cinema.

This is an excellent heartfelt film, directed by Alessandro Guida. We are looking at a coming of age film. Antonio is almost 30 and has been married since he was 19 years or so to Lorenzo. (I forgot if they tell this fact in this first film or in the sequel, because I am writing this review after I wrote the review for 'Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake' (original title: Maschile Plurale). Normally a romcom has the 'and they lived happily ever after' ending. I mean, 'Mascarpone' (Maschile singolare) ends on a positive and on a hopeful empowered note, but it is not the happy two lovers going towards a sunny horizon. Antonio was in his marriage to Lorenzo the care taker. Always at home, always cooking and always planning their lives. But he forgot his own development, he forgot to open up to and relate with the outside world. In the end he finds passion, makes new friends, doesn't fall in love with the first guy who gave him in a new chance in life, by employing him in his own bakery (Luca). Normally a romcom ends with the protagonist falling for the love interest who is offering the start of a new life. But the filmmakers wanted Antonio to truly become independent. Find his own path. Not just passion but also focus and hard work. We have another gay character in this film: Denis. He eventually dies and Antonio needs to deal with this loss, and it makes him and us as viewers, realise that life can always end suddenly and that it is important to make conscious decisions. Antonio was about to follow another Alpha man: Thomas. Thomas is in charge of his own life, just like Lorenzo and Luca are. And again Antonio was almost prepared to drop everything and follow this new man to Milano. Denis' death makes him realise that he has to follow his own path and so he decides to stay in Rome, where he is finishing his bakery school, where he has his friends and where his future lies. I really like the fact that Denis is not dying from like HIV, suicide or homicide. That's what often tends to happen to homosexual characters. No, Denis just died during a car accident, he just was unfortunate to die this young. And we learn from meeting Denis' mother that Denis was also not living his true life and made up many fantasies to appear independent and free. Anyway, this is a beautiful, well made film with strong main actors but also the supporting actors do a superb job. I think there's a future for director Alessandro Guida in Hollywood also. Although I really would love to see him more Italian films also. Recently I watched romcoms like 'A family Affair' (with Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron) and 'The Idea of You' (with Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitizine) and they both didn't really succeed. They didn't have the depth and well written script of this Italian film and its successor. These Hollywood films were bland without heartfelt subtexts. We need more films like this: Smart, human and real. Without a sugar sweet ending, but still a positive and hopeful ending. 'Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake' the sequel to this one ends in such a way that there is room for a 3rd film. I say: yes please. I wrote also about this in my review there. Make it a trilogy. And then later on when people are much older another trilogy. Please. These films are worth your while. I miss all the characters already and wished I was living in Rome amongst them.

Totally enjoyed this romp of a young gay man finding himself dumped by his lover and having to build a new life. It has some twists and turns and is always interesting to see how he will rekindle his groove. The story kept reminding me of AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, but this time with a gay perspective. The actors are all solid and not bad to look at! In the end, what remains is a stalwart screenplay that is not just entertaining, but also one that makes you think about your own choices along the way.

The lead actor is a standout in this funny, often irreverent, story about a house husband who's partner gets itchy feet and dumps him for someone else. Will he regret it? And so Antonio is forced to move out and rent a room with a free spirited twink who is wiser than his years and outrageous too. What unfolds is that re-reckoning many have to do with the dating scene and apps after a relationship ends. The story is funny and well paced with many smart observational jibes at the transitory nature of gay relationships and the unfulfilling side of hookup culture. The acting is very good indeed and the cast is gorgeous. Thoroughly recommended.