This wistful Venetian road movie takes two aging drinkers and a shy student on a chaotic search for one last drink, finding unexpected humour and profound beauty in their pursuit.
The film introduces Carlobianchi and Doriano, two men who embody the wisdom of the open road. As they drift across the barren outskirts of Venice, they treat irresponsibility not as a failing but as a philosophy, viewing drunkenness as a guiding principle. These charming figures are steeped in a kind of tragic charm; they perform youthful swagger deep into middle age, offering a wry perspective on life’s inevitable wandering while subtly hinting at underlying melancholy. Their mantra, “There’s never another time,” serves both as an irresistible invitation and a gentle warning.
Their journey is soon complicated by the arrival of Giulio, a young architecture student grappling with his academic reviews. He becomes caught up in the chaotic rhythm created by the older drinkers, whose stories and their pursuit of freedom gradually eclipse his structured life. As the group navigates the labyrinthine streets, Giulio’s transformation unfolds—a sweet loosening-up fueled by connection and shared experience.
The visual aesthetic is deeply atmospheric, drawing tactile affection for the aged architecture and the bruised beauty of the Venetian setting. The landscape itself becomes a character, amplifying the film’s thematic richness. This sense of place shines through in humorous moments, such as a scene where the trio pose mock-architects at a count’s villa, highlighting the absurdity found within grand settings.
While Giulio’s gradual softening is endearing, the depth of his bond with the older men sometimes feels assumed rather than fully earned. Yet, the film ultimately succeeds in finding an unsteady tenderness in lives lived without strict adherence to convention, offering a poignant yet deeply felt glimpse into the complexity of human existence. It is a celebration of imperfect lives, delivered with both laughter and lingering sadness.
Credit: Little White Lies
