Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Italian Director's 'Elisa' Explores Guilt Inspired by Real Case
Imagine a movie about a woman named Elisa, who is in prison for killing her sister.
The director, Leonardo Di Costanzo, was inspired by a real story from Italy.
The movie isn't just about the crime itself, but more about how Elisa feels, and how people around her react.
A criminologist interviews Elisa, and over time, she starts to remember more about what happened.
The movie mixes Italian and French languages to add some distance from the real case.
The director met with the real-life person who inspired the movie, though he didn't want to be too influenced by her.
The movie is about what goes on in the mind of someone who does something shocking.
Leonardo Di Costanzo's film 'Elisa' premiered in Venice.
The movie is inspired by the real-life case of Stephania Albertani from 2009.
Barbara Ronchi plays Elisa, a woman serving time for killing her sister.
Roschdy Zem plays a French criminologist in the film.
The screenplay is based on interviews from criminologists.
- Who
- Italian director Leonardo Di Costanzo, actors Barbara Ronchi and Roschdy Zem.
- What
- A film titled 'Elisa,' inspired by a real-life case of sororicide.
- When
- The film premiered in Venice today.
- Where
- The film is set in Italy, and the premiere is at the Venice Film Festival.
- Why
- Di Costanzo explores the theme of guilt and the mind of a person committing an abnormal act.
- Director
- Leonardo Di Costanzo
- Film Title
- Elisa
- Lead Actress
- Barbara Ronchi
- Lead Actor
- Roschdy Zem
- Inspired by
- 2009 Stephania Albertani case
- Release Date (Italy)
- September 5