Prolific Spanish filmmaker Isabel Coixet, renowned for her profound exploration of the inner lives of women in films like The Secret Life of Words and The Bookshop, is set to helm her next project, Tre Ciotole. This upcoming drama is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by the late Italian writer Michela Murgia, whose work often delves into themes of identity, love, and personal struggle. The film stars acclaimed Italian actors Alba Rohrwacher and Elio Germano, both of whom have made significant marks in international cinema. Production is scheduled to begin on March 3 in Rome, with a seven-week shoot planned. Vision Distribution will oversee pre-sales at the European Film Market (EFM), signaling the project’s high anticipation and international appeal. Coixet’s involvement with Tre Ciotole is particularly exciting, as she is celebrated for her ability to craft deeply emotional stories that resonate with audiences on a personal level.
Isabel Coixet’s reputation as a filmmaker stems from her thoughtful and nuanced portrayals of women navigating complex emotional landscapes. Her films, such as My Life Without Me and The Secret Life of Words, both starring Sarah Polley, have earned critical acclaim for their sensitive exploration of human frailty and resilience. Similarly, The Bookshop, featuring Emily Mortimer, showcased Coixet’s ability to weave intricate narratives around strong female characters grappling with life’s challenges. With Tre Ciotole, she continues this tradition, bringing to life a story that examines love, loss, and self-discovery in contemporary Rome. The film is expected to further cement Coixet’s status as a masterful storyteller capable of crafting tales that linger long after the credits roll.
Tre Ciotole is adapted from Michela Murgia’s partly autobiographical novel, which follows the story of Marta and Antonio, a couple who seemingly split after a minor argument. Marta, portrayed by Alba Rohrwacher, an actress known for her compelling performances in films like Pablo Larraín’s Maria, retreats into herself following the breakup. Her withdrawal is accompanied by an unexplainable loss of appetite, which she initially attributes to heartache but later realizes is linked to her health. Meanwhile, Antonio, played by Elio Germano, who won critical acclaim for his role in Daniele Luchetti’s Our Life, throws himself into his work as a rising chef. Despite ending the relationship, he finds himself unable to shake off memories of Marta, highlighting the complexity of their bond. The film’s synopsis underscores Marta’s journey of self-discovery, as she confronts both the end of her relationship and a newfound understanding of her own body. The story takes a poignant turn when Marta’s health issues force her to reevaluate her life, leading to a transformation in how she experiences food, music, desire, and the choices she has made.
The film’s production brings together a formidable team of talent and industry professionals. Riccardo Tozzi, the head of Cattleya, a prominent Italian production company, has praised Coixet for her “extraordinary ability to depict love in all its forms with deep intensity.” He emphasized the seamless collaboration between Coixet and the production team, noting that her vision for the film was clear from the start, particularly in her decision to cast Rohrwacher and Germano as the leads. The screenplay, co-written by Coixet and Enrico Audenino, promises to capture the emotional depth of Murgia’s novel while infusing it with a contemporary sensibility. The cast also includes Spanish actor Francesco Carril, known for his role in Un Amor, adding further layers to the story. The project is a co-production between several Italian and Spanish companies, including Ruvido Produzioni, Bartlebyfilm, Buenapinta Media, and Bteam Prods, with Vision Distribution and Sky handling distribution in Italy and globally. The film will also be distributed in Spain by BTeam Pictures, ensuring a wide reach for this intimate and moving story.
In her director’s statement, Coixet reflected on the personal resonance of Tre Ciotole, describing it as her “personal landscape.” She drew parallels between Marta’s journey and the universal human experience of grappling with loss, noting that Marta is a woman facing both a painful breakup and the inevitability of change. Coixet highlighted Marta’s quiet strength, emphasizing that she does not wallow in self-pity or negotiation but instead accepts her circumstances with a grace that allows for hope and renewal. “She simply bows, as one does to the setting sun, knowing it will rise again somewhere beyond her sight,” Coixet said. This metaphor captures the essence of the film, which seeks to explore the interplay between sorrow and joy, loss and transformation. Coixet’s vision for Tre Ciotole is to depict Marta’s journey with tenderness and emotion, set against the vibrant backdrop of Rome, where the beauty of the city serves as a stark yet fitting contrast to the characters’ inner turmoil.
The production of Tre Ciotole is not only a celebration of artistic collaboration but also a tribute to Michela Murgia’s enduring legacy. Murgia, a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, passed away in 2023 after battling kidney cancer, having publicly shared her illness during the publication of her novel. Her work continues to resonate with readers for its raw honesty and emotional depth, qualities that Coixet and her team aim to honor in the film. With its talented cast, evocative storytelling, and the sensitive direction of Isabel Coixet, Tre Ciotole has the potential to leave a lasting impact on audiences. As a story about love, loss, and the quiet strength of the human spirit, it promises to be a cinematic experience that lingers in the heart and mind long after the final frame. The film’s release is highly anticipated, not only for its artistic merits but also for its ability to spark meaningful conversations about life, relationships, and the resilience of the human heart.
