WATCH: A couple faces homophobic neighbors from hell in this provocative Italian drama
The Neighbor isn’t exactly a breezy comedy.In fact, Italian filmmaker Pasquale Marrazzo’s The Neighbor is quite a harrowing drama, but one with resonant and relevant themes for a modern queer audience that make it well worth a watch.In the film, Michele Costabile and Jacopo Costantini play Luca and Riki, respectively, a young gay couple who can’t keep their hands off each other.
Very much in love, they’ve created a perfect little bubble of happiness for themselves.But, just outside that bubble, there’s a group of neo-Nazis in their neighborhood who taunt and terrorize the couple every chance they get.
After a particularly stressful run-in, Luca suggests the pair move to a safer place, while Riki would rather they stand their ground and just ignore the hateful bullies.Damiano Gavino and Andrea Di Luigi are newcomers, but you’ll be hearing a lot more about the stars once ‘Nuovo Olimpo’ hits Netflix in 2023.One day, Riki gets a call from Luca’s sister—it turns out, he was badly beaten by the neo-Nazis, left for dead, and is now in a coma at the hospital.
Riki can’t help but feel guilty; had they moved like Luca suggested, this may have never happened to him.The incident also brings their families together, quick to band around their sons in a time of need.
