Elena Ferrante’s “My Brilliant Friend” and its cover, which captures a wedding ceremony, have become popular topics of discussion among lit-netizens. The novel’s rich portrayal of friendship and personal growth in the backdrop of mid-20th-century Naples has crowned it one of the New York Times’s “100 Best Books of the 21st Century.”
The vibrant discussion about the list and Ferrante’s novel is slowly seeping into the cinematic realms, aligning perfectly with the dream to escape to a Naples summer, even if only through cinematic pieces.
If you have found yourself engrossed in the lives of Lila and Elena, or would like to simply enjoy films that echo the complexity and rich narration of Ferrante— then we have got you covered. Here are five films that capture Ferrante’s deep emotional connections, and personal development in various backdrops.
Best Films To Watch If You Enjoyed Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend
1. “We Couldn’t Become Adults” (2021)
- Director: Yoshihiro Mori
- Starring: Mirai Moriyama, Sairi Ito, Masahiro Higashide
- Running time: 124 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix
The versatile direction of Yoshihiro Mori takes flight with “We Couldn’t Become Adults” — A cinematic exploration of nostalgia and dreams. The film follows Makoto Sato, a man in his 40s who re-explores his adulthood after receiving an unexpected friend request that reminds him of his past.
The film slips between the late 1990s and 2020 Japan as it dives into the nonlinear narrative of Sato. This passage of time, disillusionment of adulthood, and emotional journey is likely to engage you, similarly to Ferrante’s narrative.
2. “Little Women” (2019)
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen
- Running time: 135 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
The famous directorial piece of star director Greta Gerwig is also a book adaptation. While Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”, following the life of the March sisters, is painted in its own colours, it does have a similar charm to “My Brilliant Friend”.
The historical settings, delicate character development, and portrayal of close relationships make both these pieces parallel to each other. Additionally, “Little Woman” checks off providing a cosy watch, similar to reading a book.
3. “Brooklyn” (2015)
- Director: John Crowley
- Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen
- Running time: 112 minutes
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
The one thing that shines out for many readers of “My Brilliant Friend” is Elena and Lila’s personal and societal struggles. It is a matter of interpretation to understand which of them the title refers to. While we leave that to you to figure out, John Crowley’s “Brooklyn” is the next recommendation on our list.
The 2015 film follows Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrated to New York in 1950, leaving behind her family in search of a better future, much like her peers. The film depicts her homesickness, love, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. The readers of “My Brilliant Friend” will find the film’s focus on identity, belonging, and the courage to carve out one’s own path familiarly interesting.
4. “Lady Bird” (2017)
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges
- Running time: 94 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Another Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan on our list— the 2017 film “Lady Bird” shall take you to Sacramento, California. It is a coming-of-age story highlighting the relationship between Christine McPherson and her mother.
It is difficult to find a linear comparison between the film and Elena Ferrante’s “My Brilliant Friend”, but that doesn’t limit the immersive experience of either piece, which feels familiar and relatable on many occasions.
5. “The Hand of God” (2021)
- Director: Paolo Sorrentino
- Starring: Filippo Scotti, Toni Servillo, Teresa Saponangelo
- Running time: 130 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix
The last film on the list is “The Hand of God” by director Paolo Sorrentino, which will transport you to 1980s Naples. It is a semi-autobiographical piece capturing the life of a young man named Fabietto Schisa, highlighting deep love for cinema.
The film’s rich cultural setting in Naples makes one want to trace the setting’s image to its counterpart, “My Brilliant Friend.” Perhaps Sorrentino’s nostalgic and heartfelt narrative isn’t as far off from Ferrante’s portrayal of life in Naples.
We have now reached the end of film recommendations similar to Ferrante’s Neapolitan quartet. In these summer days, do cosy up, perhaps with a dear friend, for a movie marathon, tracing the familiar pulse through this list.
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