Piranhas is a 2019 Italian drama film directed by Claudio Giovannesi, based on the novel "La Paranza dei Bambini" by Roberto Saviano. The movie stars Francesco Di Napoli, Viviana Aprea, and Alfredo Turitto.
The film follows the story of a group of teenage boys who form a gang called the Piranhas in order to gain power and money in their impoverished Naples neighborhood. They begin to rise in the ranks of the city's organized crime scene, led by their charismatic and cunning leader Nicola.
As the boys climb the ranks, they become increasingly ruthless and violent. They deal drugs, commit robberies, and even participate in deadly turf wars with rival gangs. However, Nicola's loyalty to his friends and family is constantly put to the test as he is forced to make difficult moral choices.
The film explores themes of youth, poverty, violence, and the allure of power and money. It provides a harrowing look into the realities of living in a crime-ridden neighborhood and the difficult choices that young people are forced to make in order to survive.
Piranhas received critical acclaim and was selected to compete for the Golden Bear at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival. It is a powerful and gripping portrayal of the dark underbelly of Italian society.