Close To Me

During a harsh lockdown Luca, a 40-year-old teacher, finds his marriage with Sara growing distant. Sara is comfortable and wealthy, which only compounds the strain. Luca becomes a quiet observer of his new neighbor Amanda, noticing how her life seems to glow with possibility from behind her quiet apartment door. He decides to bridge the gap between them, hoping to recapture a sense of purpose, but his plan pulls him into a web of risk and secrecy. As closeness inches forward, boundaries blur and small decisions spin into outcomes neither of them predicted. The film keeps its focus on mood and consequence rather than flashy twists. The mood hinges on quiet late night conversations and the danger of watching from a distance.

Directed by Stefano Sardo from an original screenplay by Giacomo Bendotti, Close To Me opened in 2025 with a cast led by Riccardo Scamarcio, Mariela Garriga, Maria Chiara Giannetta and Paolo Pierobon; the budget is listed at about 5 million.

Awards: There are no major nominations or wins publicly listed for Close To Me. The film is a steady character study, not a banner awards contender, with attention on performances, atmosphere, and the moral tension created by the protagonists' choices. Industry chatter mirrors that restraint.

Cultural impact: So far the film has limited footprint outside festival chatter and viewer buzz. There are no widely quoted lines or iconic moments linked to it, and its influence on fashion or memes remains minimal as audiences process its themes. Some critics remain curious about Sardo's future work.

Reception and themes: The film draws focus on the strain of a stalled marriage and the lure of a borderless connection during a time of isolation. It examines desire versus responsibility and the speed at which a tentative bond can spiral out of control. The tone, while restrained, invites repeated viewings to catch subtle clues.