Laughing is a 2020 Italian drama film directed by Valerio Mastandrea. The movie tells a heart-wrenching story about a woman named Anna, her 10-year-old son Sandro, and their grieving journey after the sudden death of Anna's husband and Sandro's father, Stefano. Stefano was a factory worker who died in a workplace accident.
The film beautifully portrays the different ways in which Anna and Sandro cope with their loss. Anna is overwhelmed with grief, trying to come to terms with the suddenness of her husband's death. She feels lost and uncertain about how to move forward. Her son Sandro, on the other hand, is struggling to understand death itself. Being only 10 years old, he finds it hard to come to terms with the concept of never seeing his father again.
As the day of Stefano's funeral approaches, the two of them find themselves surrounded by family and friends who have all come to pay their respects. But, despite the people around them, Anna and Sandro can't help feeling alone in their grief.
Throughout the movie, we see flashbacks of happier times that add depth and intricacy to the characters. We get a glimpse into the marriage of Anna and Stefano, and the special bond that existed between Stefano and his son. The flashbacks help to emphasize the feelings of loss and highlight the difficulty of moving on.
Laughing is a moving film that deals with themes of loss and mourning in a realistic and relatable way. The performances by the cast are touching, with Valeria Golino's portrayal of Anna being particularly impressive. The film highlights the importance of family, community, and support during times of grief and provides a moving message about the power of love to help heal even the deepest wounds.