Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Tainted Souls is a crime drama about working class people and the decisions they make to get out of their financial situations.
Although the film deals with the inhabitants of an Italian apartment building, it focuses on Marcello (Vinicio Marchioni), a former body builder turned Coke addict, his wife, Chiara (Anna Foglietta), and his boyfriend, Walter (Vincenzo Salemme). Marcello’s story also includes an old friend he hasn’t seen in years, Mauro (Maurizio Tesai), who moves into the building with his girlfriend, Simona (Giulia Bevilacqua).
Marcello is unaware that Mauro is back in town until he and his best friend, Attilio (Daniele Parisi), are beaten up by a group of thugs because they owe money to a drug dealer. Mauro is with the men who attack them and spares their lives. Marcello and Mauro meet up later and discuss their past and the different paths they’d taken. The depth of their friendship is obvious and is the underlying reason for the drama that unfolds.
Some Thoughts:
Tainted Souls is a complex movie that doesn’t spoon feed the viewer. The characters are multifaceted, with motivations that come from emotional attachment and need rather than reason. And despite the central story belonging to Marcello, it’s the inhabitants of the building that flesh out the film and give it a sense of community.
If you’re looking for a story with clear cut good and bad guys, this is not for you. There’s a lot of ambiguity here, especially when it comes to Marcello and Mauro’s friendship. While Mauro’s relationship with Simona is a coverup, they literally say it, his sexual preference is questionable. However, since he and Marcello have definite chemistry, it’s a good guess that he’s gay and hiding it.
This isn’t a gay film with characters who are open about themselves, it’s just the opposite. These are people living lies, be it about their sexuality or their business dealings. It’s all very dark and at times a bit disturbing.
The Final Verdict:
Tanited Souls is a wonderfully made drama that, due to its subject matter, can be difficult to watch.