Francesco Costabile's 'Familia,' adapted from Luigi Celeste's memoir, has been selected as Italy's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars. The film explores a family's struggle with domestic abuse and the son's descent into far-right extremism. Positive reviews highlight its performances and emotional depth following its Venice premiere.
Overview
'Familia' is a Italian drama directed by Francesco Costabile, based on Luigi Celeste's memoir 'Non sarà sempre così.' The story centers on the Celeste family, marked by the father's abusive behavior. After authorities intervene, the mother Licia (Barbara Ronchi) and sons Luigi (Francesco Gheghi as adult, Francesco De Lucia as child) and Alessandro (Stefano Valentini) attempt to rebuild their lives. Years later, the father's return (Francesco Di Leva) forces confrontations with past trauma, as Luigi grapples with anger and joins neo-Nazi friends.
Production and Premiere
Costabile co-wrote the screenplay with Vittorio Moroni and Adriano Chiarelli. Produced by Tramp Limited, Medusa Film, Indigo Film, and O’Groove, the film runs 120 minutes. It premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where Gheghi won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor. Di Leva received Best Supporting Actor at the David di Donatello awards. The director drew from his previous film 'Una Femmina,' shifting focus to universal themes of violence across social classes.
Critical Reception
Variety's review praises the film's 'wounding simplicity' and performances, noting its balance of violence and vulnerability. It critiques occasional genre shifts but lauds Ronchi's restrained portrayal of Licia. In a Deadline interview at Contenders Film: International, Costabile explained acquiring rights was straightforward as it was Celeste's dream; Celeste wrote the memoir in prison to share his complex story beyond media summaries. Gheghi described bonding with Celeste on set, while Ronchi researched domestic abuse victims.
Oscar Context
Italy, with 14 wins in the category, submits 'Familia' amid 91 global entries for 2026. The film addresses toxic masculinity, generational trauma, and fascism through intimate family dynamics.