FR at PIFF: Gloria! A Visual Feast with Feminist Undertones, But Lacking Depth

I was genuinely looking forward to the Pune International Film Festival, the lineup of films seemed promising. More than anything, the idea of spending an entire day in a theatre always excites me. So when I saw the event schedule, Gloria! immediately caught my attention. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to catch the opening film, but after watching the trailer, I knew I had to. That being said, I went in with excitement and left with mixed feelings, Gloria! dazzles with its visuals, music, and period authenticity, but stumbles in character depth and narrative consistency.

Cast and Crew

Gloria! marks the directorial debut of Italian actor-singer-songwriter Margherita Vicario, who brings her musical background into a film that blends period drama with contemporary feminist undertones. The screenplay, co-written by Vicario and Anita Rivaroli, adds a playful, modernized energy to its historical setting. The film features a cast led by Galatea Bellugi as Teresa, the "mute" gifted yet overlooked musician, alongside Carlotta Gamba as the ambitious first violin Lucia. Veronica Lucchesi, Maria Vittoria Dallasta, and Sara Mafodda round out the ensemble of young women at the Sant’Ignazio Institute. Paolo Rossi plays the imperious chapel master Perlina, while Vincenzo Crea takes on the role of Cristiano, Perlina's covert gay lover. Behind the scenes, the film boasts elegant production design by Luca Servino and Susanna Abenavoli, and period-appropriate yet subtly contemporary costumes by Mary Montalto.

Plot

Set in early 19th-century Italy, Gloria! unfolds within the Sant’Ignazio Institute, a church-run refuge for young women, blending elements of an orphanage, a convent, and a music school. The story follows Teresa, a mute servant girl whose prodigious musical talent remains hidden beneath her lowly status. When she discovers a neglected piano in the basement, her natural brilliance emerges, drawing the attention of Lucia and other young musicians. Meanwhile, the strict and creatively stagnant chapel master Perlina struggles to compose an original piece for an upcoming visit by Pope Pius VII. As tensions rise between traditional and rebellious musical sensibilities, Teresa’s unconventional melodies—infused with anachronistic pop influences—ignite a quiet revolution. The film builds toward a climactic performance where the young women challenge societal norms, creating a spectacle that both enthralls and scandalizes their audience.

I love a good feminist film, and if it happens to be a period piece, that is an added treat. When I watch a period film, I am drawn to more than just the storyline and performances. There is an entire world to admire. In that sense, Gloria! delivers spectacularly, particularly in its costume design. The colors, ensembles, and hairstyles all work together beautifully, creating an immersive and well-researched period aesthetic. The film captures the essence of its time through its detailed costumes and props. However, there are moments where the musical falters in its rhythm.

At its core, Gloria! is a tribute to women composers who were robbed of their artistic recognition. The film does a great job of evoking excitement and euphoria, especially in its climactic musical symphony, which makes up for some of its uneven pacing. It also left me wondering what if a group of Venetian girls had composed anachronistic pop music. Where would we be today? That thought is intriguing, though at times, the film’s hypothesis risks overshadowing its deeper themes, making it feel too contemporary to be entirely convincing.

Performance wise, the cast including Galatea Bellugi, Carlotta Gamba, Veronica Lucchesi, Maria Vittoria Dallasta, Sara Mafodda, and Paolo Rossi delivers well, though some characters feel underdeveloped. This lack of depth affects the emotional connection crucial for a film with strong feminist undertones. Certain subplots, like the romance between Master Perlina and Cristiano played by Vincenzo Crea, felt unnecessary or caricatured, particularly in its portrayal of a queer character with little backstory or development.

Despite these shortcomings, Gloria! delivers an exhilarating experience driven by its electrifying soundtrack and visually stunning execution. The background score keeps the energy alive, even if the emotional weight of the narrative does not always land. Margherita Vicario's directorial debut shines in many ways, making for an engaging, dopamine inducing ride, provided you can overlook its occasional missteps.