A Brief Affair (Breve storia d’amore) is a devious, slightly romantic thriller about a tryst that goes beyond mere thrill and temptation. Set in Rome, Italy, the film opens with a curious scene in which Rocco (Adriano Giannini), a seismologist, plays chess and boxes in the same ring during the same session, a routine that could be considered a mind-and-body wellness practice, though it sounds much better than it appears in the film. However, it’s impossible to ignore how stylish this film is, despite the blood and bruises Rocco receives from boxing.
In a local bar, Lea (Pilar Fogliati), a writer, is drinking alone when she meets Rocco, who has come from his workout. A romantic spark ignites, and from that moment a secret affair begins as the two find a fresh, sexy connection. They seem to be enjoying their forbidden attraction, but much more is unfolding. Each is married, and as the film reveals its plot, the couples unknowingly become intertwined. Rocco’s wife, Cecilia (Valeria Golino), is a therapist and appears to be in love with Rocco, while Lea’s husband, Andrea (Andrea Carpenzano), seems to be living his life and caring for his partner.
Cecilia (Valeria Golino) shares a tense, close conversation with a man in a candlelit hall in A Brief Affair.
“Each is married, and as the film reveals its plot, the couples unknowingly become intertwined.”
As time passes, Rocco and Lea’s relationship takes a dark and unsettling turn when Lea begins exhibiting obsessive, stalker-like behavior, trying to insert herself further into Rocco’s daily life—including seeking a consultation with Cecilia under the guise of relationship distress. Lea also follows her to a shooting range, and it becomes uncomfortable and strange. While Andrea continues to deny any infidelity, he is suspect given how his co-stars on his latest series hang on to him and whisper in his ear. However, he remains in denial about having slept with any of them.
A Brief Affair maintains a steady tone and style throughout, with a thriller element that creeps in and catches you at its climax. Yet inexplicable actions build toward a conclusion with barely a clue, blending the naughty freedom of an affair with psychological thrills. Set against the film’s temptations and stylish Italian backdrop, with tasteful, purposeful camera angles and artful locations, lighting, and editing, A Brief Affair is divided into seven chapters, each with a title that hints at what is to come or what is happening.
From Alcohol as Self Therapy to the Adventurous Life and The Rule of 3, ending with Apparent Wind, each chapter carries metaphors such as replacing a goldfish and hoping Lea and Andrea’s daughter can be shielded from death for a moment longer, but it’s a partner who has died. When Rocco’s ant farm, “a physical representation of the mind,” breaks, the couple allow the ants crawling around their apartment to find their home on their own. These are harbingers of what’s to come, filled with humor, charm, and an undercurrent of cheating behavior. In the end, the twist-turner Lea meticulously crafted is part of a much larger story.
A Brief Affair is a well-acted film with solid performances, written and directed by Ludovica Rampoldi, marking her feature directorial debut.
For screening information, visit the A Brief Affair official website.
"…A Brief Affair maintains a steady tone and style throughout, with a thriller element that creeps in and catches you at its climax"
