What Is the Story About?
13-year-old Yara Gambirasio, goes missing. She is last seen returning home from the local gym, which is only 700 meters away. Her disappearance upsets the small Italian town, Brembate di Sopra, which is where Yara is from. Prosecutor Letizia Ruggeri is assigned to the case, but starts her investigation off on the wrong foot. However, when her dead body is found three months later, the whole country goes into an uproar.
Performances?
While there are many onscreen performances, Yara mainly focuses only on Yara’s disappearance. However, if there is one character that can be called the film’s protagonist, it is Prosecutor Letizia Ruggeri. Isabella Ragonese plays the real life prosecutor and she does a good job as the main focal point of the film’s investigation. While Ragonese is (obviously) hampered by the film’s script, she brings much to the role varying from emotional depth to onscreen investigative prowess.
Analysis
This film, Yara, is based on a true incident that occurred in the Italian town of Brembate di Sopra. The film, as mentioned earlier, focuses on the Yara’s disappearance, murder and mainly, the investigation of her murder that was led by the prosecutor, Letizia Ruggeri. The film shows us critical moments of the investigation, which started from November 2010 and ended in July 2016 with the sentencing of Massimo Giuseppe Bossetti to life imprisonment.
The investigation is probably the most interesting part of the film. But Yara still has a primary protagonist, which is Ruggeri, so we are shown glimpses into her life as well as the obstacles she faces during her investigation. While we have nothing against the actor or the prosecutor – the film feels more like a “puff film” about Ruggeri for some reason. For some reason, the prosecutor can’t do no wrong. Don’t get us wrong, we see that Ruggeri faces some tough problems at work. Her mistake with Mohamed Fikri’s arrest sparked a whole lot of racism talks, while politicians are seen taking shots at her. She is also shown to be facing pressure at work for not getting ahead in the investigation, while also facing discrimination because she is a woman.
But, as we can see in the film, Ruggeri didn’t make the translation mistake, her subordinate did. The politicians who are seen taking shots at her are shown to be spreading misinformation. And while she may be facing discrimination and pressure at work, the prosecutor managed to hold on to this case for almost four years. We are not saying none of these things happened, but the way it is portrayed onscreen makes Ruggeri come out at the end of this whole affair, smelling like roses.
The overall story of the film is good – but the screenplay and final execution needs work. The editing team and cinematography department does a good job. The film starts to fall apart a little bit by the end – with the director trying to end the film as soon as possible. A five-year-long investigation plus conviction probably can be made into a movie. But trying to squeeze everything into 90 minutes without showing us more about the people close to the victim or at least a better explanation of the DNA markings, makes this movie a little boring as a whole.
Overall, Yara is a decent investigative film that focuses on real life murder and investigation. The film is interesting enough to make us watch the whole thing, but it will likely not get any re-views.
Other Artists?
Chiara Bono, the young actress who portrays the murder victim, Yara, stands out. Pretty much every other onscreen actor feels quite wooden on screen. Alessio Boni’s Colonello Vitale is initially shown as a person who will make Ruggeri work for her position, but he quickly falls in line like the rest and eventually becomes someone we forget. Roberto Zibetti is hampered by the script in his role as Massimo Bossetti – and it shows on screen.
Music and Other Departments?
The biggest problem in this film was the final screenplay. The story starts off well, but by the end, the writer tries to wrap up the film as fast as possible, which makes the film lose its flow. The cinematography and film editing is good.
Highlights?
The Investigation
Drawbacks?
Unnecessary “Wokeness”
The Final Screenplay
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, it was not bad.
Will You Recommend It?
If you don’t mind the slow pace, then go for it. It is also skippable.
Yara Italian Movie Review by Binged Bureau