Review of The Double Hour (2009) by Walter M — 07 May 2011

In "The Double Hour," Guido(Filippo Timi) is an ex-cop widower who consoles himself with hot meaningless sex and speed dating where he meets Sonia(Ksenia Rappoport), an immigrant maid, and the two hit it off. So much so, that this is the first time that Margherita(Antonia Truppo), Sonia's co-worker, can remember her smiling. And just as things are getting interesting at a chateau where Guido works as a security guard, things go sideways, then diagonally, and finally it's all squiggly lines.

Let me explain. You may think you know everything as you're watching "The Double Hour" but then you'd be wrong. The movie uses its deliberate pace to lure the viewer into a false sense of security in order to subvert expectations. It was certainly not the movie I was expecting but there's nothing wrong with that. It's kind of the same way with people we first meet in that we never what to expect but certainly have our share of preconceived notions. That sort of thinking might keep you from meeting the love of your life but then forcing yourself into a relationship can be an even greater mistake. Look at Marisa(Lucia Poli) and her fake smile as she arranges the speed dates and Margherita's diastrous love life. So, it's sad that the only relationship with any chance in the movie runs head first into reality at the first opportunity.