Melissa P.

Synopsis

Melissa P. follows the emotional and sexual awakening of its titular character, a 15-year-old Italian girl exploring her desires and identity amidst the constraints of her conservative upbringing. As Melissa navigates her tumultuous journey into adulthood, she grapples with forbidden attractions, societal expectations, and personal liberation. Through a series of provocative encounters and revelations, Melissa confronts the complexities of love, lust, and self-discovery, leading her to confront the depths of her own desires and the consequences of her actions. The film delves into themes of innocence lost, societal taboos, and the transformative nature of sexual exploration.

Cast

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  María Valverde

  Melissa P.

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  Letizia Ciampa

  Manuela

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  Primo Reggiani

  Daniele

• 

  Fabrizia Sacchi

  Daria

• 

  Geraldine Chaplin

  Nonna Elvira

• 

  Claudio Santamaria

  Custode del museo

Reviews

Melissa P. received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised María Valverde's raw and fearless portrayal of Melissa, others criticized the film for its gratuitous depictions of sexuality and lack of emotional depth. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a score of 21% based on reviews from critics, with the consensus stating 'Melissa P. struggles to balance its provocative subject matter with a coherent narrative.' IMDb users rated the film 4.8/10, with many highlighting the film's controversial content and Valverde's performance as standout features. Metacritic gave it a score of 36 out of 100, indicating 'generally unfavorable reviews'. Despite the polarizing reception, Melissa P. remains a thought-provoking exploration of adolescent sexuality and identity.