Penelope Cruz's Latest Film Shows Domestic Violence, Gender Identity Struggles

In her latest film based in Italy, Penelope Cruz is playing a crucial role in the film L’Immensita. Italian director Emanuele Crialese has helmed the film, which is now premiering at the Venice Film Festival.

Penelope Cruz plays the role of a woman, who is living in an unhappy marriage for the sake of her children. Her character set in the 1970s also deals with mental health issues and domestic violence. Cruz co-stars in the film with Maria Chiara Goretti, Luana Giuliani, Vincenzo Amato, and Patrizio Francioni.

LImmensita

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Penelope Cruz Role in L'Immensita

Ahead of the film’s premiere, Cruz spoke to the media about her role in the film and brought forward the issue of domestic violence stating that it’s unfortunate that even in this day and age such crucial matters are brushed under the carpet. “My character is oppressed in the film in many ways. It surfaces issues that several women can relate to, especially domestic violence. There are many women around the world, trapped in their homes, who pretend in front of their children. They try to pretend that things aren’t that bad.”

On playing the role of a mother, Cruz said she has loved all roles where she has played a mom. "I've portrayed a lot of mothers. And even when I was very young with Pedro, I've made seven films in which I play a mother, and he's always seen me as a mother, which I don't think is a coincidence," she said.

Cruz’s heartbreaking performance in the film is garnering a lot of international attention as it portrays hard hitting sensitive issues. Cruz also speaks Italian in the film, a language she claims she picked early in life.

The film shows how the oldest child in the family, who is a 12-year-old girl wants to become a boy. Director Crialese, who recently came out as a Trans man, has put in a lot of personal experiences in the film. At a time when the Trans rights struggle is still very much on, this film serves as a mirror to society both within and outside the LGBTQ bracket.

"The film was inspired by my youth and my tale, which is being transferred and reimagined. I tried to find a good interpretation of it. I didn't want it to be self-indulgent. I didn't want to talk about myself alone. As I attempt to do with every video I make, I've tried to represent the issues I'm passionate about, such as migration, in a broader context. The journey of a soul. That implies a change from one state to another,” said Crialese.