“Human Capital”

My Rating: 3.76/4 (aka Worth it)

One line summary: A mysterious accident unravels suspicion and moral twists in this sharp Italian family drama.

The Deets: This is an interesting one, leaves you a bit uneasy and a bit dissatisfied, but still a solid watch. I loved the way the story is told – through the perspective of different characters, kind of like a Faulkner novel; this was a subtle reminder that we never see the full picture when it comes to other humans (especially the inner workings of families and marriages), and the same event can unfold for two people with totally different experiences. And with that narrative structure, we meet an array of characters, each struggling in some way, each hiding from others and from themselves. The film seems to want to pursue a moral truth and offer views on social class and affluence, but it largely leaves us with no conclusion, instead allowing us to observe and judge amid the conflicts and chaos of life.

Perfect for: Anyone who likes movies with a layer of family drama and social commentary, and especially if you enjoy the melodic cadence of Italian.

Where to watch: You can rent in on your favorite streaming service, definitely worth the $3.99. The story was remade into an American version starring Liev Schreiber, but I would opt for the Italian original even though I’m a big Liev fan (saw him years ago on stage as Henry IV).

Food pairing: You gotta go with a bowl of pasta, your choice of sauce. Red wine optional.