A Magnificent Haunting

A Magnificent Haunting (Magnifica presenza) is a 2012 Italian-French fantasy drama directed by Ferzan Özpetek, featuring Elio Germano in the lead role. The film follows Pietro, a young man who moves into a grand, old Roman apartment and soon discovers it is inhabited by ghosts from the past. As Pietro comes to terms with the supernatural presence, he forms unusual connections that challenge his understanding of life, death, and identity. The movie intricately weaves themes of memory, history, and personal transformation, blending elements of fantasy and emotional depth within a hauntingly beautiful setting.

A Magnificent Haunting received generally positive reviews, as reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score of 67% and IMDb rating of 6.6/10. Critics praised the film for its atmospheric cinematography and the compelling performance by Elio Germano, noting that the supernatural elements are skillfully balanced with emotional storytelling. Variety highlighted the film's "elegant direction and poetic ambiance," while The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged Özpetek's talent for creating mood but suggested that some narrative aspects felt uneven. On Metacritic, though exact scores vary, reviews often pointed out that while the film resonates deeply with fans of art-house cinema, it may feel slow-paced for mainstream audiences. Overall, A Magnificent Haunting is regarded as a visually enchanting and emotionally evocative piece that offers a distinct, introspective experience, even if its genre-blending approach may not appeal to all viewers.