Il migliore dei mali

Summer heat hangs over a small Italian town in 1997 as five boys chase the mystery of Icarus, the dog belonging to one of them. What begins as a game of clues about a suspicious new neighbor soon pulls the friends into deeper questions about their families and the things they hide from each other. They trade rumors, map hideouts, and follow every lead even as their own pasts intrude on the case. The search becomes a test of trust, loyalty, and courage, revealing how quickly neighbors become suspects and how fragile friendships can be when secrets spill out. The film blends propulsive mystery with a sharp look at growing up under pressure. The camera lingers on empty streets and a dogless yard, turning the mystery into a mood piece about time and memory.

Directed by Violetta Rovetto, Tommaso Santi, and Marco Tarquini, Il migliore dei mali originates from an original screenplay. The Italian adventure drama blends sunlit landscapes with close knit community dynamics to frame its mystery while keeping the focus on character.

Box office figures have not been released for this title, and there is no widely reported worldwide gross at this time. Some distributors note limited theatrical exposure and potential for streaming later, but concrete numbers are not yet public.

Awards: No major nominations announced to date. The film has drawn attention mainly for its intimate storytelling and the performances of a young cast rather than festival prize history. If it continues to screen at regional festivals, additional recognition could follow.

Early critics describe the film as a thoughtful coming of age mystery with a quiet and tense atmosphere, highlighting friendship, family secrets, and a town's response to a puzzling disappearance. The result is a contained drama that leaves space for reflection long after the credits roll.