Mid-August Lunch
Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio) is a middle aged Italian man living with his 93 year old mother (Valeria De Franciscis); the two share a small condo/apartment of which they are significantly behind on maintenance dues. When the building manager comes to Gianni with a way to work off some of the debt, he’s sees little option but to say yes to what seems to be a simple proposal– he’ll watch over the manager’s mother for several days during Italy’s biggest summer holiday. Before long Gianni is also pulled in to watch over the manager’s aunt, and then further suckered into also watching over the family doctor’s mother, crammed quarters indeed. Conflicting personalities full of zeal, differing dietary requirements, and sweltering heat, how and can Gianni keep these four very real women happy?
Endearing in it’s simplicity and underlying dry wit, Di Gregorio’s directorial debut arrives with an examination of culture that show’s not only a window into the Italian lifestyle but also how a little wine and a little kindness can go a long way. Sharp and believable acting from all of the players lends to the film’s organic feel; and, for anyone who’s ever had to tend to an elderly parent or relative, the film’s relatability is even greater. A fun matinee and good prep for a real Italian meal afterward. Mid-August Lunch plays at the Guild 45th this weekend.