Andrea Molaioli’s “La Ragazza del Lago” is an elegant yet haunting 2007 mystery that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of northeastern Italy, the film juxtaposes the beauty of its setting with the disturbing truths of the human heart.
Fans of cozy British murder mysteries will enjoy “La Ragazza del Lago” (The Girl by the Lake), which will be shown March 11 at Woodmere art museum. The film carries the genre’s signature slow-burning tension and intricate plotting, but its setting in the Italian Dolomites brings a more fashionable and chic aesthetic.
The setting is as much a character as the people who inhabit it. Shot in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, the film captures the stark beauty of Alpine lakes, misty forests, and quiet villages. The idyllic scenery contrasts sharply with the darkness of the narrative, bringing the TV series “Twin Peaks,” co-created by director David Lynch, to mind. “Ragazza” isn’t a surrealist Lynchian film though, but one that sophisticatedly wrestles with the burden of love in the face of profound suffering. The film’s visual and emotional elegance is embodied in the impeccable style of its leading man. Toni Servillo’s well-tailored wardrobe is, as always, molto elegante.
“La Ragazza del Lago” was Andrea Molaioli’s directorial debut and resonated with audiences and critics alike. The film swept the David di Donatello Awards in 2008, winning ten categories, including Best Film and Best Director. Molaioli’s ability to balance the procedural elements of a murder mystery with an exploration of profound moral dilemmas established him as a formidable voice in Italian cinema.
While “La Ragazza del Lago” is squarely Italian, it has its roots in Scandinavian crime fiction. The film is an adaptation of “Don’t Look Back,” a novel by Norwegian author Karin Fossum. In its original setting, the story unfolds against the cold, austere backdrop of Norway, mirroring the bleakness of its themes. Molaioli’s adaptation, however, transports the narrative to the warmth of Italy, replacing icy landscapes with the muted greens and blues of tranquil lakes and rolling hills. This shift in atmosphere lends the film a warmer, more meditative quality rather than the stark severity often associated with Nordic noir.
Leading the film is Toni Servillo, one of Italy’s most revered actors, whose career spans both stage and screen. His accolades include multiple European Film Awards and four David di Donatello wins. In 2020, The New York Times named him one of the 25 greatest actors of the 21st century. Servillo’s portrayal of the investigating detective in “La Ragazza del Lago" is restrained and commanding. His ability to convey depth and emotion with minimal gestures is part of what makes his performance so compelling.
At first, “La Ragazza” unfolds like a well-crafted television mystery, following the standard beats of a procedural drama. But as it progresses, it reveals itself to be something deeper. “La Ragazza del Lago” wrestles with moral quandaries that are both deeply sad and profoundly human. It acknowledges that life presents heartbreaking struggles — caring for those who depend on us, making impossible choices, and carrying the weight of sorrow. Yet, the film ultimately offers a message of resilience: we must struggle on, out of love. We must take care of each other, and we must not let our grief break us in a way that erodes our humanity.
The Chestnut Hill Film Group will screen “La Ragazza del Lago” at 7 p.m. utilizing the group’s new state-of-the-art laser projector, which enhances the crisp cinematography and rich color palette. Guests are invited to join the film group and Woodmere for this season’s eclectic mix of films, including romantic comedies, Pre-Code Hollywood classics, silent movies, international thrillers, comedy shorts, and indie films.
Visit woodmereartmuseum.org for more details. Screenings are free, but donations are welcome. Woodmere is located at 9201 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill.
