The Hand of God is a semi-autobiographical film by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, which explores his childhood growing up in Naples during the 1980s. The film revolves around the character of Fabietto, played by newcomer Filippo Scotti, who is a 15-year-old aspiring football player and filmmaker.
Fabietto's family is a typical working-class Neapolitan family that struggles to make ends meet. The family is close-knit, and Fabietto idolizes his grandfather, a former stuntman and amateur filmmaker, who introduced him to the magic of cinema. However, tragedy strikes when Fabietto's mother dies suddenly, leaving them all devastated.
The film captures the raw and gritty reality of Naples in the 1980s, a city plagued by poverty, violence, and corruption. Despite the hardships, Fabietto remains determined to pursue his dreams, whether it's playing football for his favorite team, Napoli, or making movies like his grandfather.
As Fabietto navigates through his adolescence, he experiences a series of personal awakenings, including his first love, his sexual awakening, and coming to terms with the loss of his mother. The Hand of God is a poignant and nostalgic coming-of-age story that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit amidst adversity. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021 and was praised by critics for its authenticity and emotional depth.