The Double Hour

The Double Hour marks a debut for what would probably be a new genre for Italian film industry. The movie is about a former police officer named Guido. He is shown to have a mundane and loveless life.

Guido frequents the speed-dating scenario of the city of Turin, Italy in search of his ladylove. Typical Italian man; Guido is convinced that love will transform his life.  There is an old saying in the west, be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. Guido’s life changes immediately after he bumps into a woman at one of his speed-dating sessions. She is a Slavic immigrant, Sonia; she is incredibly beautiful and is working as a chambermaid at a high-end hotel in Turin.  For Guido, it is the quintessential love at first sight. The two are mutually attracted towards each other, and hereby begins a steamy love affair.  Two are about to leave for a weekend away from the city, when suddenly, gunmen descend upon them and in the ensuing massacre, Guido is killed and Sonia is wounded. Caught in a seemingly surreal hullaballoo, Sonia grieves over her lover.

Her life disintegrates into shards of real pain and unreal memories. She begins to see Guido’s spirit everywhere, and people begin to turn mean and obnoxious. She finds herself unwilling to run away from her past, and too exhausted to look for answers to the questions bothering her. The comprehensively detailed camera work, make this incredibly fast paced psycho-thriller drama, a treat to watch.

The Double Hour is the most riveting psychological thriller that I’ve seen in a long time. Even though I’m not such a huge fan of Italian movies, and was actually doubtful about whether or not to watch this one, I’m glad that I did, since the movie’s already made its way through to my favorites list. The plot is a simple one - a beautiful woman, Sonia, falls in love with a man she meets at a bar, they go to his house, and from then on, it’s thrills unleashed at each step! However, this simple plot is portrayed with such brilliance that it keeps you on the edge of your seat all through it.

The lead actor, Ksenia Rappoport, makes the movie every bit spellbinding, not just because she’s amazingly beautiful, but more because of her flawless acting prowess. Each shrill and scream is shudder-inducing, and not even one scene in the movie seems far-fetched. The movie is fast-paced, thanks to the quick cuts, and before you know it, you’re on a race to decipher the mystery. This is one of those rare thriller films that I wouldn’t mind watching over and over again!