After the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the 78th Venice International Film Festival took place from September 1 to September 11, 2021, as one of the first major international film festivals to return to an in-person format. Held amidst strict health protocols, including social distancing, mask mandates, and the requirement for a Green Pass, Venice 2021 symbolized the global cinema industry’s resilience and its ability to adapt in the face of ongoing challenges. Despite the continuing pandemic, the festival successfully welcomed filmmakers, journalists, and industry professionals from around the world. The health measures in place ensured the safety of attendees while allowing the magic of cinema to flourish once again on the grand stage of the Lido. Venice 2021 stood as a testament to the determination of the film world to overcome the pandemic’s hurdles, while offering a curated selection of world-class films that captivated audiences both in person and, in some cases, online.
The event saw a return to grandeur, with films tackling a wide range of themes, from deeply personal stories to sweeping historical narratives. As the world continued to recover, Venice 2021 was a celebration of both the resilience of filmmakers and the power of cinema to address global crises, reflect on human nature, and provoke emotional and intellectual engagement.
A standout film from the opening days was Madres Paralelas, the latest work from Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. The film, which marked a return to the Venice competition after Almodóvar’s previous success with Volverin 2006, was an evocative exploration of motherhood, memory, and the weight of the past. Starring Penélope Cruz in a career-defining role, Madres Paralelas follows the intersecting lives of two women, Janis (Cruz) and Ana (played by newcomer Milena Smit), who give birth on the same day in a Madrid hospital. As their lives become intertwined, the film delves into themes of identity, loss, and the unresolved historical trauma of Spain’s civil war. Cruz’s performance was widely praised for its depth and vulnerability, earning her a well-deserved Best Actress nomination. Almodóvar’s direction is as vibrant and emotionally rich as ever, with his signature use of color, music, and intimate close-ups creating a sensory experience that enhances the emotional complexity of the narrative. Critics hailed Madres Paralelas as a poignant, visually stunning exploration of the personal and collective impact of history on the lives of women.
Another highly anticipated film in the competition was The Lost Daughter, the directorial debut of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. Adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novel, the film centers on Leda (played by Olivia Colman), a professor of literature who becomes obsessed with a young mother, Nina (played by Dakota Johnson), and her daughter. Set against the backdrop of a quiet Italian seaside town, the film explores themes of motherhood, guilt, and the desire for freedom. Gyllenhaal’s direction is restrained yet intimate, drawing on Ferrante’s intricate exploration of the complexities of motherhood and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Colman’s performance was widely praised for its subtlety and emotional depth, capturing the internal conflict of a woman who both loves and resents her role as a mother. The film’s careful pacing, its exploration of the quiet violence of repressed emotions, and its ability to evoke a range of feelings—from empathy to unease—earned it critical acclaim. The Lost Daughter marked a significant achievement for Gyllenhaal, whose foray into directing was seen as a natural extension of her talent for portraying multifaceted characters.
September 2, 2021
On the second day of Venice 2021, Dune, Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel, premiered in competition, drawing massive crowds and generating much excitement. Villeneuve, known for his mastery of visual storytelling, brought Herbert’s intricate universe to life with stunning cinematography and state-of-the-art special effects. Dune follows Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet), the young heir to a noble family, who must navigate political intrigue, rebellion, and survival on the desert planet of Arrakis. With a star-studded cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Josh Brolin, Dune is both an exhilarating spectacle and a meditation on power, destiny, and ecological sustainability.
The film’s scope is nothing short of magnificent, with breathtaking landscapes, complex world-building, and a score by Hans Zimmer that enhances the otherworldly atmosphere. Villeneuve’s adaptation takes a careful approach to the source material, remaining faithful to the novel’s central themes while also making the story accessible to modern audiences. Critics were unanimous in their praise for the film’s visual grandeur, its immersive sound design, and the standout performances, especially by Chalamet, whose portrayal of the conflicted young protagonist garnered particular attention. Dune was hailed as one of the best sci-fi films in recent memory, with its blend of action, philosophy, and political intrigue captivating viewers and critics alike. Although the film’s story is only the first part of the larger saga, it left audiences eagerly awaiting the next installment.
In the Horizons section, Happening by French director Audrey Diwan captivated audiences with its harrowing depiction of a young woman’s struggle for autonomy in the face of an unwanted pregnancy. The film, based on the novel by Annie Ernaux, is set in France in the 1960s and follows Anne (played by Anamaria Vartolomei), a university student who desperately seeks an abortion in a time when it is illegal. Diwan’s direction is gritty and unflinching, capturing the rawness and desperation of a woman who must navigate both the oppressive societal expectations and the dangerous procedures that were her only options. The film’s power lies in its refusal to romanticize or sensationalize the experience, instead offering a stark, realistic portrayal of a woman’s fight for agency over her body. Vartolomei’s performance is deeply moving, carrying the emotional weight of the film with subtlety and precision. Critics praised Happening for its exploration of women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and the complexities of choice, positioning it as one of the most important films of the year.
September 3, 2021
Day three of the festival brought The Card Counter, directed by Paul Schrader, into the spotlight. The film stars Oscar Isaac as William Tell, a former soldier and card-counting gambler who seeks redemption for his past. Schrader, known for his provocative and often dark explorations of morality and human nature, once again delivers a taut and morally complex narrative that forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths. The Card Counter blends noir elements with psychological drama, as Tell forms an unlikely bond with a young man, Cirk (played by Tye Sheridan), who is seeking revenge against the man who ruined his life. The film explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the struggle for redemption in a world that seems unforgiving.
Isaac’s performance is mesmerizing, bringing a quiet intensity to a character who is both emotionally distant and deeply conflicted. Schrader’s minimalist direction and haunting score by Robert Levon Been enhance the film’s mood, making it one of the most engrossing films of the competition. Critics hailed The Card Counteras a chilling and thought-provoking meditation on the long-term effects of violence and the difficulty of escaping one’s past.
In the Venice Virtual Reality (VR) section, Gondwana by Richard Mosse stood out as an immersive experience that used cutting-edge technology to tackle the pressing issue of climate change. The project, which combines immersive 3D visuals and 360-degree sound, transports the audience to the rainforest of Gondwana, an ancient, ecologically vital landscape that is rapidly disappearing due to deforestation. The experience combines artistic imagery with environmental activism, capturing the beauty of the natural world while confronting the audience with the devastating effects of environmental destruction. Mosse’s innovative use of VR technology allowed audiences to experience the urgency of the climate crisis in a way that was both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Critics praised the project for its ability to engage viewers on a deeply sensory level while also providing a clear call to action.
September 4, 2021
The fourth day of the festival brought the much-anticipated Spencer, directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. The film explores a pivotal weekend in the early 1990s when Diana, struggling with her troubled marriage to Prince Charles, retreats to the Sandringham estate for Christmas. Larraín, known for his unconventional portrayals of historical figures, offers a highly stylized, psychological portrait of Diana’s unraveling mental state during this intense period in her life. Stewart’s performance was universally lauded, with many critics noting her ability to capture the fragility, grace, and inner turmoil of the princess. The film’s atmosphere, which combines both the gothic and the intimate, mirrors Diana’s own internal struggles as she navigates her public and private personas. Critics praised Spencer for its bold, experimental approach to biographical storytelling, positioning it as one of the most memorable films of the festival.
As the festival continued, it was clear that Venice 2021 had returned with a diverse and compelling selection of films that reflected both the resilience of cinema and the ways in which filmmakers are grappling with the world’s ongoing crises. The impact of the pandemic was still felt, but Venice 2021 stood as a celebration of the power of film to bring people together and provide a space for reflection, empathy, and innovation.
Conclusion
The Venice Film Festival 2021 marked a key moment in the recovery of global cinema after the tumult of the pandemic. While the world still grappled with the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, the festival managed to adapt, ensuring the safety of attendees while providing a platform for powerful films to shine. As Venice embraced hybrid and in-person screenings, it reflected both the resilience of the film industry and the continued importance of cinema in our collective cultural experience. Despite the pandemic’s ongoing impact, the festival’s successful execution demonstrated that the power of cinema could continue to transcend boundaries and offer new perspectives even in uncertain times.
Venice Film Festival – 2021
All images are sourced from IMDb.com.
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