This film is presented in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.
In "La Chimère," everyone pursues their chimera, their elusive dream. For some, it's the pursuit of easy money, while for others, it's the quest for a lost love. Returning to his small coastal town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Arthur reunites with his gang of Tombaroli, tomb raiders searching for Etruscan relics and archaeological wonders. Arthur possesses a unique gift: he senses emptiness, the void within the earth that holds the remnants of a bygone world. It is the same void left within him by the memory of his lost love, Beniamina.
Directed by Alice Rohrwacher, "The Chimera" is a captivating blend of comedy, drama, and satire. The film delves into themes of longing, nostalgia, and the pursuit of meaning. Josh O'Connor takes on the role of Arthur, infusing the character with depth and vulnerability. Carol Duarte and Isabella Rossellini deliver powerful performances, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Alba Rohrwacher also joins the cast, contributing to the film's rich ensemble.
As the characters navigate their desires and wrestle with their own inner voids, "The Chimera" explores the human condition and the universal search for fulfillment.