The Macaluso Sisters

Synopsis

The Macaluso Sisters (Le sorelle Macaluso) is a poignant Italian drama directed by Emma Dante, starring Viola Pusatieri. The film explores the complex lives of five sisters living together in a working-class neighborhood in Palermo. Their close-knit bond is tested after a tragic event that profoundly changes their family dynamic. The story spans years, portraying the sisters' evolving relationships, memories, and grief as they face the passage of time and the haunting presence of loss. With an intimate and theatrical style, the film delves deep into themes of sisterhood, memory, and resilience, capturing the emotional intensity of familial love and hardship.

Cast

• 

  Viola Pusatieri

  Antonella

• 

  Eleonora De Luca

  Young Maria

• 

  Simona Malato

  Adult Maria

• 

  Susanna Piraino

  Young Lia

• 

  Serena Barone

  Adult Lia

• 

  Maria Rosaria Alati

  Old Lia

Reviews

Critically acclaimed, The Macaluso Sisters has received strong praise for its raw and heartfelt portrayal of familial bonds. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a perfect 100% rating, reflecting universal acclaim from critics who applaud the powerful performances and Emma Dante's direction, which blends theatrical elements with cinematic storytelling. The consensus highlights the film's emotional depth and strong character development. Metacritic reports a high score of 81/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics from major outlets have described the movie as "a moving meditation on grief and memory," with The Guardian noting the "compelling performances by the ensemble cast, led by Viola Pusatieri," and praising the film's ability to navigate complex emotions with subtlety. On IMDb, the film has a solid user rating of 6.5/10, suggesting that while audiences appreciate its artistry and emotional weight, some may find its pacing and theatrical style challenging. Overall, The Macaluso Sisters is recognized as a deeply affecting and artistically ambitious film that resonates with viewers interested in profound emotional narratives.