Film Review: The Birthday Party (Il Compleanno Di Enrico)
by Marinell Haegelin

Francesco Sossai, Italy 2023

Driving through Italy’s autumnal countryside the father and son discuss the approaching angst-ridden “Millenium Bug.” The son discloses he’s afraid, and also about school next year. Dad nudges the conversation in another direction; in the spirit of things Francesco asks for a costly remote-controlled auto. Dad neatly dispenses with that idea, pointing out it’s much too expensive for a boy’s toy.

Arriving late at Enrico’s birthday party, Francesco gets nary a greeting; nevertheless, he attempts to join in the rough and tumble farmyard play. Enrico’s oblivious when the others contrive to pick on Francesco; his mother spontaneously gives him some of her son’s everyday clothes to change into. Later, gathered around the kitchen table gobbling treats, the kid’s aversion to table manners confounds Francesco, but not more so than when Enrico’s roughish dad arrives with his present. Exactly what Francesco’s dad just denied him. Overwhelmed with self-pity, the youngster excuses himself. Heading for the toilet, Francesco encounters the wizened wheelchaired grandmother who’s sleeping with both her eyes and mouth open. Transfixed and inching closer Francesco, being a kid, tentatively investigates granny’s phenomenal position. Returning to the party, he notices in passing the wheelchair’s empty, and then entering he realizes the party’s breaking up. The grownups are unnerved, naturally, by granny missing and no one knowing where she’s gone to.

Director Francesco Sossai takes credit for the semi-autobiographical script—based on childhood memories—and editing as well. With its fine cast, polished production values, and wistfully affectionate music, THE BIRTHDAY PARTY is an intriguing watch. Particularly as we’re left to wonder why Francesco didn’t dress for rough-and-tumble outdoor fun and particularly, why he’s even there since clearly Francesco and Enrico aren’t so palsy-walsy. IL COMPLEANNO DI ENRICO gives the distinct impression it’s the practice run for a feature length film. Which is fine since audiences would learn what got into granny to scare the bejesus out of everyone.