NOWHERE SPECIAL

(director/writer: Uberto Pasolini; cinematographer: Marius Panduru; editors: Masahiro Hirakubo, Saska Simpson; music: Andrew Simon McCallister; cast: James Norton (John), Daniel Lamont (Michael), Valerie O’Connor (Ella), Keith McErlean (Philip), Siobhan McSweeney (Pam), Eileen O’Higgins (Shona), Stella McCusker (Rosemary); Runtime: 96; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Chris Martin, Cristian Nicolescu. Roberto Sessa, Uberto Pasolini; Cohen Media Group; 2020-UK/Italy/Romania)

“A warm drama on fatherhood.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Italian filmmaker Uberto Pasolini (“Still Life”/”Machan”) directs a warm drama on fatherhood, that’s set in Belfast, in Northern Ireland–a true story that he lifted from the newspapers. James Norton plays a 35-year-old single father, a window cleaner, facing a terminal illness. Daniel Lamont plays his 4-year-old son Michael.

The caring father who will soon die, wants assurances his son will be cared for after he’s gone. So he works with a social agency to interview suitable adoptive families.

It’s a moving true story that’s sad but filled with love.

Norton is perfect as the sensitive loving father, while Michael gives a heart-breaking performance that could melt even frozen hearts.

It played at the Venice Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 6/30/2024  GRADE: A

dennisschwartzreviews.com