Lord of the Ants is a biographical drama film that tells the true story of Aldo Braibanti, a talented poet, playwright and myrmecologist who is unjustly accused and prosecuted in the late 1960s for his love affair with Ettore, his young male student and friend. Braibanti's case quickly becomes a cause celebre in Italy, with a divided public opinion and media frenzy surrounding the trial.
Despite mounting public pressure and political interference, a passionate and determined journalist named Marisa Malatesta investigates the scandal and strives to uncover the true nature of Braibanti's relationship with Ettore, as well as the hidden agendas and biases of his accusers. As Malatesta delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of lies, jealousy, homophobia and betrayal, and ultimately presents a compelling defense of Braibanti's innocence and integrity.
The film is set against the backdrop of the turbulent social and political era of the late 60s, revealing the complex and contradictory attitudes of Italian society towards sexuality, gender, youth and authority. The script is based on the memoirs and letters of Aldo Braibanti and Ettore, as well as on original research and interviews with key figures involved in the case. The film boasts a strong cast, including acclaimed Italian actors Giancarlo Giannini as Aldo Braibanti, Marco Cocci as Ettore, and Monica Bellucci as Marisa Malatesta. The film was directed by Giorgio Capitani and was released in 2018.
