The Binding (2020)

Introduction
"The Binding" (Italian: "Il legame") is a 2020 Italian supernatural scary film directed by Domenico Emanuele de Feudis. The story centers around a woman who, while visiting her fiancé's mom at her Southern Italy home, should fight the mystical and malevolent curse intent on declaring her daughter. This film mixes conventional aspects of horror with Italian folklore, resulting in a motion picture full of suspense and cultural undertones.

Plot Overview
The film opens with Emma, a female showing up in southern Italy with her young daughter, Sofia, to fulfill her fiancé's family. Her fiancé, Francesco, takes her to his mother's old and eerily gorgeous rural home, where they prepare to spend some time together. Emma is presented to Francesco's mom, Teresa, who is an extremely traditional and somewhat enigmatic figure.

Soon, odd events start to unfold around your home, and Emma notices a change in Sofia's behavior. The lady becomes withdrawn and starts experiencing troubling visions. It becomes significantly clear that these phenomena are linked to a dark and ancient custom connected to the mom's house and the surrounding area.

As Emma delves deeper into the disturbing occasions, she discovers a malevolent curse that has been given through generations. It is exposed that this curse is created to "bind" itself to a child of the family, feeding off their life force and bonding them to the land. Teresa, educated about menstruation, looks for to secure Sofia, however her techniques are both puzzling and deeply rooted in local superstitions, causing stress with the more logical Emma.

Characters and Performances
The movie concentrates on the character characteristics within the little family group. Emma, played by Mía Maestro, is a determined and caring protagonist who is driven by her love and protective impulses for Sofia. As she faces increasingly harrowing and inexplicable occasions, her efficiency catches the audience's compassion and increases the movie's sense of seriousness.

Francesco, depicted by Riccardo Scamarcio, is caught between his contemporary life and his traditional family roots, leading to conflict as he struggles to fix up the two worlds.

Sofia, Emma's daughter, is played by Giulia Patrignani, and her powerful performance is vital to the movie as she ends up being the centerpiece of the supernatural occurrences. Teresa, enacted by Mariella Lo Sardo, is a quintessentially enigmatic character whose belief in customs and routines adds depth to the story by bringing to light the ancient customs of the area.

Themes and Cinematography
The movie weaves themes of maternal love and sacrifice with the tension in between modernity and custom. It challenges the audience to ponder the lengths to which one would go to secure their liked ones, as well as the impact of cultural heritage on today.

The cinematography of "The Binding" is both beautiful and haunting, including an abundant color palette that completely captures the sun-soaked landscapes of Southern Italy and the dark, threatening interiors where much of the scary unfolds. The video camera work is deliberate and atmospheric, producing a sense of claustrophobia within the expanse of the setting.

Conclusion
"The Binding" is an atmospheric scary movie that successfully merges standard Italian folklore with contemporary storytelling. Its emphasis on family characteristics and cultural myths sets it apart within the scary genre, offering a fascinating and chilling experience for audiences. With strong performances by the cast, especially Mía Maestro, and evocative visuals, the film leaves a long lasting impression. Its exploration of motherhood, protection, and the clash between old and new worlds makes "The Binding" a thought-provoking addition to supernatural horror movie theater.

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