In “Come niente” (2021), Davide Como creates a poignant and immersive portrait of recovery and displacement, set against the rural backdrop of the Marche region in central Italy. The towns of Muccia and Pievebovigliana, both deeply affected by the 2016 earthquakes, serve as the film’s primary locations. These settings, scarred by disaster, are integral to the film’s exploration of emotional and physical healing.

Muccia and Pievebovigliana: A Land of Resilience
The film’s central locations, Muccia and Pievebovigliana, reflect the struggle to rebuild after the earthquake. The once vibrant towns are now marked by damaged buildings and abandoned spaces, symbolizing the characters’ emotional turmoil. The rugged landscape, filled with remnants of the past, captures the tension between the persistence of history and the hope for renewal.

SAE Units: A Symbol of Impermanence
One of the most striking visual elements in the film is the use of SAE (temporary housing) units. These prefab homes, stark and functional, stand in contrast to the traditional stone houses and serve as a metaphor for the impermanence the characters feel. They are forced to adapt to new lives in a broken world, mirroring their struggle for stability and identity.

Cinematography: Reflecting the Inner Landscape
Cinematographer Claudio Marceddu uses handheld cameras and natural lighting to draw the viewer into the intimate world of the characters. The sweeping vistas of the Marche countryside, with its serene beauty and raw, untouched nature, amplify the film’s themes of isolation, survival, and healing. The stark contrast between the modern, makeshift homes and the ancient, weathered townscapes accentuates the narrative’s exploration of time and recovery.

Conclusion: Healing in a Broken Land
In “Come niente”, the Marche region is not just a setting but a character itself. The film’s landscapes serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of communities in the face of disaster. Through the intimate portrayal of its locations and the challenges faced by its characters, the film captures the ongoing process of rebuilding and the quiet strength needed to heal.

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