The Macaluso Sisters is an emotional tale of togetherness that spans generations. The five eponymous sisters make a living by renting out doves from the Italian rooftop that doubles as their home. On a rare day off from work, they spend it at the beach. After a beautiful day, a shocking event occurs that changes their lives forever.
The big risk most audience members will worry about is the amount of cheesy melodrama they will have to endure. And make no mistake about it, The Macaluso Sisters has its share of heavy drama. That being said, the emotion is always genuine. A heavy hair hangs over the film, but it is one that is well earned thanks to the great writing.
When The Macaluso Sisters jumps ahead a few decades, the screenplay really shines. The siblings are now engaged in the personal crises that adult life sometimes includes. They are also tied together by the tragedy of that fateful day all those years before. But unlike the love and togetherness of childhood, they can barely contain the resentment and guilt.
The cinematography adds to the feelings of longing and loss. A combination of long shots and close ups immerse audiences in The Macaluso Sisters. The look of the film works in tandem with the story that is being told. Everything is not dour, however. Director Emma Dante (who also had a hand in writing the movie) also makes sure to include shots of the youthful enthusiasm of youth.
The Macaluso Sisters is a beautiful movie that will be emotionally exhausting. There are times things get so melancholy that the audience may want to throw in the towel. Those that stick around will be in for a difficult ride, but it is also one they may find worth it in the end.
The Macaluso Sisters opens in theaters nationwide August 6
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