Dormant Beauty 2014

Drama

Runtime

115 min

Language

Italian

Directed by

Marco Bellocchio

Made by

Emerging Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Dormant Beauty (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

The cinematic narrative delves into the remarkable true story of Eluana Englaro, whose life took a tragic turn after a catastrophic car accident left her in a permanent coma. For years, her family fought tirelessly for her dignity and rights, ultimately arriving at the heart-wrenching decision to pursue euthanasia in 2009. This brave choice ignited a tumultuous response from the Catholic Church and various political entities during Berlusconi’s IV Cabinet, illustrating the profound societal rifts surrounding such sensitive issues. While Eluana herself remains unseen throughout the film, the poignant use of archival footage, including TV clips and newspaper headlines, continually evokes her significant presence in the narrative.

The storyline intricately weaves together multiple perspectives that grapple with the complex themes of existence and the inevitability of death. Among these is Uliano, a Member of Parliament from Forza Italia, who finds himself conflicted with his party’s anti-euthanasia stance. He ultimately takes a courageous stand to break ranks and vote for the legalization of euthanasia. Simultaneously, his daughter Maria participates in a Christian prayer group opposing euthanasia outside Eluana’s hospital. Fate introduces her to Roberto, a fervent advocate for pro-euthanasia reform whose brother Pipino faces the challenges of bipolar disorder.

As the narrative unfolds, we encounter the “Divine Mother,” a prominent French actress married to an Italian star, facing the emotional toll of her daughter Rosa’s extended coma. As her world spirals into chaos, her only refuge becomes fervent prayer for her daughter’s healing. The story also introduces Rossa, a young woman grappling with heroin addiction and suicidal thoughts. She is eventually guided back from despair by Pallido, a compassionate doctor whose own past struggles shape his sensitive approach to healing. Through these intersecting lives, the film paints a rich, emotional portrait of the complex debates surrounding life, death, and personal choice.

Timeline

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Eluana's Accident

The story begins with a catastrophic car accident that leaves Eluana Englaro in a permanent coma. This tragic event permanently alters the lives of her family and puts them on a harrowing journey to fight for her dignity and rights.

Family Struggles

In the years following Eluana's accident, her family faces immense emotional and legal challenges as they advocate for her rights. Their tireless efforts highlight the challenges of caring for a loved one in such a fragile state.

Decision for Euthanasia

In 2009, after years of struggle, Eluana's family makes the heart-wrenching decision to pursue euthanasia. This choice marks a significant turning point, sparking widespread public and political discourse around the ethics of such a decision.

2009

Controversy Emerges

Eluana's decision ignites a tumultuous response from the Catholic Church and political figures, particularly during Berlusconi's IV Cabinet. The heated debate showcases the societal rifts and polarizing opinions surrounding euthanasia.

Uliano's Conflict

Uliano, a Member of Parliament from Forza Italia, grapples with his party's anti-euthanasia stance. Caught in a moral dilemma, he finds the courage to break ranks and vote in favor of legalizing euthanasia, risking his political career.

Maria's Prayer Group

Maria, Uliano's daughter, becomes involved in a Christian prayer group opposing euthanasia outside Eluana's hospital. This creates a personal conflict within her family as she stands firmly against her father's stance.

Outside Eluana's Hospital

Maria Meets Roberto

During her time at the prayer group, Maria meets Roberto, a passionate advocate for pro-euthanasia reform. Their encounter highlights the different perspectives on the issue and begins to weave their stories together.

The Divine Mother

The film introduces the 'Divine Mother', a renowned French actress battling the emotional toll of her daughter Rosa's prolonged coma. Her coping mechanism involves intense prayer, revealing personal struggles amid the broader societal discourse.

Rosa's Coma

Rosa, the Divine Mother's daughter, remains in a coma, which deeply affects her mother's mental and emotional state. This subplot adds a layer of complexity to the conversations about life support and the morality of keeping someone alive in such a state.

Introduction of Rossa

The film also introduces Rossa, a young woman struggling with heroin addiction and suicidal thoughts. Her fight against inner demons highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and compassionate approaches to healing.

Pallido's Compassion

Dr. Pallido, a compassionate doctor, plays a crucial role in Rossa's journey to recovery. His own past struggles shape his understanding and sensitivity towards Rossa, reflecting themes of redemption and hope.

Intersection of Lives

As these diverse characters navigate their personal struggles, their lives intersect in profound ways, prompting deeper reflections on life, death, and the choices that define us. The film reveals the intricate web of human connections amid complex societal debates.

Public Discourse Intensifies

As news of Eluana's situation spreads, public discourse around euthanasia intensifies, drawing in various advocacy groups and prompting discussions across a range of media. The film uses archival footage to show societal reactions, keeping Eluana's presence felt throughout.

The Aftermath

The film concludes by reflecting on the aftermath of Eluana's story and the ongoing debates over euthanasia in society. It leaves viewers to assess the implications of personal choice and societal values in matters of life and death.

Characters

Explore all characters from Dormant Beauty (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Uliano

Uliano is a Member of Parliament caught in a profound ethical struggle regarding euthanasia. His internal conflict, torn between party loyalty and personal belief, showcases a journey of courage as he ultimately decides to support legalization, illustrating the nuanced dynamics of political conviction.

📜 Politician 🤔 Ethical Dilemma

Maria

Maria, Uliano's daughter, embodies the generational conflict surrounding deeply held beliefs about life and death. As a member of a prayer group opposing euthanasia, her encounters with Roberto challenge her views, forcing her to confront the realities of compassion and faith in the face of tragedy.

🙏 Faith 💔 Conflict

Roberto

Roberto is a passionate advocate for pro-euthanasia reform who represents the voice of a modern, compassionate perspective on life choices. His dedication to the cause and personal experiences, especially those involving his brother, make him a key figure in the emotional narrative of the film.

🗣️ Advocate 🔄 Change

Rossa

Rossa is a young woman facing the turmoil of addiction and suicidal thoughts, reflecting the struggles of many for whom life seems unbearable. Her journey of recovery, aided by Pallido, signifies hope and the possibility of healing amidst despair and chaos.

🌸 Recovery 🌀 Struggle

Pallido

Pallido is a compassionate doctor whose past struggles shape his empathetic approach to patient care. He represents the healing power of understanding and connection, guiding Rossa back from the brink of despair with kindness and insight.

🚑 Caregiver 🧠 Healing

Setting

Learn where and when Dormant Beauty (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

2009

The events of the movie sharply focus on the year 2009, a pivotal time in Italy marked by significant political and ethical debates regarding euthanasia. This period reflects a societal struggle over personal autonomy and the legalities surrounding life and death.

Location

Italy, France

The movie primarily takes place in Italy, where the events surrounding Eluana Englaro's story unfold, specifically in the context of a hospital setting. France is also significant, as the narrative references a prominent French actress and touches on broader European societal issues.

🏙️ City 🌍 Global

Themes

Discover the main themes in Dormant Beauty (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

⚖️

Euthanasia

The film tackles the deeply divisive issue of euthanasia, encapsulating the ethical dilemmas faced by families in moments of crisis. Through Eluana's story, it highlights the tension between individual rights and societal norms, urging viewers to reflect on the implications of such choices.

❤️

Compassion

The theme of compassion resonates throughout the film as characters navigate their complex emotions regarding love and loss. From Uliano's moral dilemmas to the heartbreaking journeys of Eluana's family, it showcases the profound impact of care and empathy in the midst of despair.

⏳

Life and Death

Life and death serve as central themes, explored through various perspectives that reflect on existence's fragility. The film challenges the audience to confront their beliefs about mortality, alongside the emotional weight of personal choices regarding life's end.

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