Reality

The father in a Naples family becomes obsessed with Grande Fratello, letting the televised life bleed into his daily routine, while the rest of the family watches and becomes entangled in his antics. The movie blends comedy with wry social critique as everyday struggles collide with the glitter of reality TV. The father, a fish dealer, treats his home as a stage, shaping conversations, choices, and even meals around the imagined game. The tension grows as the line between performance and reality blurs, affecting trust, pride, and the family dynamic. The tone stays sharp and sly, using humor to expose the appetite for fame that TV life feeds. Its social humor has a calm pace that lets characters reveal vulnerabilities.

Released in 2012 and directed by Matteo Garrone, the film was written by Ugo Chiti, Maurizio Braucci and Massimo Gaudioso from an original concept. It features Aniello Arena, Loredana Simioli and Nando Paone, with naturalistic performances and a Naples sensibility.

Its worldwide gross is $3,350,996, reflecting a modest box office for a Neapolitan drama with dark humor that played in art house circuits and film festivals, earning a niche but dedicated following. It drew critics and cinephiles seeking Italian cinema.

Reality uses its Neapolitan setting to critique how reality TV reshapes everyday life. The story shows ordinary people bending routines, language, and dignity under the pull of fame, prompting conversations about media culture and how audiences relate to televised selves. This sparked conversations about media and daily life for audiences.

Critics praised the film for its restrained mood and its humane portrayal of ordinary people, pairing a quiet tone with sharp social observations. The film examines obsession, the lure of recognition, and the distance between private life and public show, with themes still resonate for many viewers.