In 2018 viewers were introduced to Lila and Elena, two girls living in the slums of post-war Naples but dreaming of something more, and a beautiful friendship was born. After watching the girls struggle against the poverty, violence, and corruption that ran rampant in their neighborhood for one season audiences were left begging for more. This year, HBO released the second installment in the series and viewers were treated to a season that is every bit as compelling, inspiring, heartbreaking and addictive as its predecessor. In this second outing My Brilliant Friend continues to more than live up to it's title.
 |
| Partners in crime |
The story resumes almost immediately where the first season ended during Lila's wedding to mob connected businessman Stefano Carracci. At the second season's start Lila seems to have finally escaped the violence and limitations of life in Naples' slums. Meanwhile, Elena strives to reconcile the restrictive expectations of her family and boyfriend with her dreams of life beyond the dusty streets of the neighborhood. As the story unfolds, however, Lila's marriage spirals into domestic violence and it becomes apparent that despite her best efforts she has trapped herself in a gilded cage. While Lila faces the bitter reality of her new life Elena copes with her own growing pains as she finds herself alienated from both her wealthy new classmates and her friends still struggling in the neighborhood. Stifled by an existence that seems to be closing in all around her, Lila rebels against her husband, her family, and even neighborhood bosses the Solaras with fateful consequences. As the two girls try to maneuver an increasingly changing society from opposite sides of the social spectrum they find themselves fighting for their futures even as they attempt to hold onto their fading childhood bond.
This installment brings Elena Ferrante's second novel in the Neapolitan novels series, The Story of a New Name, to vibrant life as follows its heroines through the exhilaration and pain of young adulthood. Both girls continue to search for a better future as Lila seeks an escape from the neighborhood while Elena pursues her academic dream. The ways in which their lives diverge highlights the fact that regardless of their own efforts, they (much like Naples itself) are both still living with the consequences of the decisions made in their pasts. The most crucial of these decisions, whether or not they would be permitted to attend middle school, carries particular poignancy as we approach the start of another school year. It is this decision, over which neither Lila nor Elena had control, that ultimately set Elena on the path towards success while Lila remained caught in the neighborhood's cycle of violence and poverty. Even at its most bleak, however, the series continues to offer a glimmer of hope as both Elena and Lila approach their tumultuous lives in a changing city with an ingenuity and grit that is nothing short of brilliant.
 |
| Three is always a crowd... |
Through the outstanding work of its cast the series transports viewers back to Ferrante's Naples as it stands on the brink of change. Elvis Esposito and Alessio Gallo continue to exude smarmy charm and menace as Marcello and Michel Solara. Christian Giroso turns in a raw performance in his portrayal of Elena's boyfriend, Antonio's, descent into mental illness. Gennaro De Stefano lends depth and complexity to his portrayal of Lila's hapless brother, Rino. Ulrike Migliarisi and Federica Sollazzo personify female repression in their performances as Ada and Pennuccia. Giovanni Amura's by turns brutal and pathetic portrayal of Stefano ensures that his character is more than just a cardboard villain. Emanuele Valenti infuses predatory Donato Sarratore with a mix of suave and sleaze. Francesco Serpico balances boyish charm with haughtiness as local heartthrob Nino. Matteo Cecchi is delightfully endearing as Elena's classmate and eventual fiance, Pietro. Margherita Mazzucco aptly portrays Elena's transition from awkward adolescent to empowered adult and adds a fascinating layer of moral ambiguity to her performance. Gaia Girace dominates every frame in which she appears in her explosive turn as the magnetic Lila and conveys Lila's dizzying highs and devastating lows with equal aplomb.
In it's second season My Brilliant Friend follows the next chapter in the lives of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo and is guaranteed to leave viewers anxiously awaiting its next installment. Through its stellar performances and captivating script season two brings Ferrante's The Story of a New Name to vivid life as it transports viewers to the grit and glamour of 1960's Naples. For some of the best writing and acting to grace the small screen join Elena and Lila on the streets of Naples for a story that you won't soon forget.
No comments:
Post a Comment