Institute History
Description
Seventeen-year-old Jenny lives in Ostia, a seaside town near Rome, and dreams of being a synchronized swimmer. But after her mother's death and her father's ensuing nervous breakdown, her family is forced to relocate to a remote mountain village, where Jenny drops out of school to work as a maid at a nearby ski resort to support her younger brother. Sneaking into the hotel pool, she clings to some semblance of her dream, but with her father showing no sign of recovery, Jenny’s "temporary" circumstances appear increasingly permanent.
Lamberto Sanfelice's moving debut feature, from Elisa Amoruso’s elegantly crafted screenplay, captures the humanity of an adolescent girl thrust prematurely into the responsibilities of adulthood. Reminiscent of the Dardennes brothers in its poetic verité approach, emotional authenticity, and focus on an uncommonly determined character in dire economic need, Cloro features a captivating performance by rising star Sara Serraiocco. Jenny is the heart of the film and a genuine force of nature. A foil to her drab surroundings, she glows with a spirit of defiance and stoicism as she reconciles her reality with her dreams. —J.N.