The Best Offer is a romantic thriller directed by Giuseppe Tornatore and starring Geoffrey Rush as Virgil Oldman and Sylvia Hoeks as Claire Ibbetson. The film is set in contemporary Italy and unfolds like an elaborate puzzle, with Virgil's life and relationships slowly being uncovered as the story progresses.
At the beginning of the film, we see Virgil as a reclusive and fastidious collector of beautiful and rare antiques. He lives in a grand old mansion filled with art and furnishings, but he is completely alone. He relies on his loyal assistant Robert (Jim Sturgess) and his housekeeper Jill (Dermot Crowley) for company and conversation, but otherwise he keeps the world at bay.
One day, Virgil receives a visit from Claire Ibbetson, a young woman who needs his help to value and auction off the vast art collection left behind by her parents. Claire is beautiful but damaged, and she suffers from a rare condition that makes her afraid of outside stimuli. She communicates with Virgil only through a speakerphone and asks him to visit her villa in person only at night.
As Virgil begins to inspect the art collection, he becomes intrigued by the enigmatic Claire and begins to develop feelings for her. He gradually ventures out of his shell and starts to engage with the world around him in new and unpredictable ways. As their relationship deepens, Virgil becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and treachery that threatens to derail his newfound happiness.
The Best Offer is a visually stunning film that explores themes of love, loneliness, and obsession. It features an excellent cast, with Rush delivering an affecting performance as Virgil, and Hoeks showcasing her talent in a challenging role. The film's plot is intricate and suspenseful, with twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the very end. Overall, The Best Offer is a captivating and emotionally resonant film that is well worth a watch.