This is a brilliant movie that leaves you guessing for much if not nearly all of its runtime. There is a huge array of cinematography used to express the emotion and ambiance of the film, from using a largely 1980s/1990s film grain, to animalistic acting scenes. It develops, and leaves unfinished, a not-at-all-myopic tour of a person's life after prison along the way.

Masterfully shot. Beautiful.

An intriguing cinematic experience. The film introduces multiple characters and situations at a rapid pace, making it initially difficult to keep track of everything. However, once the first act concludes, a clear plot emerges, and the film becomes much easier to follow. Rather than relying on a conventional narrative structure, the story unfolds in a fluid, almost fragmented manner. For the most part, this approach works well, but there are moments (particularly when the protagonist makes drastic decisions) that feel somewhat unearned. While we can grasp the motivations behind these choices, the film doesn’t always provide enough emotional groundwork to fully justify them. The filmmaking style is distinctive. It isn’t particularly aesthetic but leans toward a simple, naturalistic approach that aligns well with the film’s tone. Though mostly grounded in realism, the film knows when to step outside of itself, embracing eccentricity and moments of surrealism. The influence of Fellini is palpable, especially in the way it explores themes of irreverence toward the past, contrasting it with the mundanity of modern life. Overall, it’s a solid and well-crafted film, though it left me wanting a bit more. I still recommend it, with the caveat that it’s an unconventional foreign film (Italian), which may not appeal to all viewers.

Maybe I was expecting more of an adventure film, but I don't know...

One of those critically overrated films. Pretentious, derivative and badly in need of a plot l really am not sure what the point of it is

Must see film. Incredibly shot (great DOP), intriguing story, setting and character development. The director (Alice) has a clear aesthetic vision, capturing the periphery of life, and its dichotomies - rural/urban life, landed/landless (peasants). I can’t wait to see what’s next to be released.

selvaggio ed eccellente! un grande film.

This poetic, sensorial, enveloping film is beautiful, making you feel the smells of nature, the intense green as if it were moss on the rock, the humidity of the earth, glimpses of villages, archaic slums, beautiful abandoned railway stations. And it does so by hybridizing and then combining formats, 35 millimeters, super 16 millimeters and 16 millimeters: everything is reality, everything is cinema, naturalistic aesthetics as well as amateur video, or photography that becomes pastel, painting , fresco. thank you lachimera.it

A creative mix of adventure and morality, wrapped in a love story. A playful swing between reality and fantasy. Josh O'Connor delivers a subtle yet rich performance of a complex character with a well rounded cast of supporting actors.

I’m still thinking about this one after seeing it…dreamlike, haunting, and quirky, and made me continually question what was real. Enjoyed the playful, at times disorienting, camera work and imagery, as well as the eccentric characters. Josh O’Connor’s performance is a highlight, including watching him frantically run around Italian village in a rumpled linen suit plus shearling jacket. There’s no handholding in this, so there were things I didn’t fully grasp in the moment, but I still liked it and the more I read and reflect now, the more I appreciate it. “Who does it belong to - everyone or no one?”

A deep and moving film about love, history, family, power, passions, and class. It is shot beautifully throughout Italy, with genuine characters and a sweet story that is a pleasure to witness unfold. A bit long, but you don't mind in the end.

Incredibly overrated.

Seriously disregard the lowbrow bad reviews here. It is art. Art is not for everyone.

A strange and oddly shapeless movie. One gets the sense that the weirdness is meant to cover for the fact that the filmmakers don't have much to say.

I loved seeing Josh O'Connor lean into this film. He spoke two languages! I will always give props to whoever takes that on. The Lesson throughout the movie was unclear to me, but you realize that the Character Buried himself in his thoughts and character traits that held him back from wanting something he could not have and putting any effort into changing the outcome. The colors in this movie matched the time it was supposed to match. I love the clothes, scenery, and Haze this movie gave. It wasn't my favorite, but the "impossible Dream" idea is relatable to people.

Too slow for me. Dialogues are very short with little happening.

This movie quitely slow, but in the end woww its so sad

Plenty of ramshackle charm, but I wasn’t as sold on this as my friends, who raved about it. And like so many films, it’s too long.

La Chimera is a work of art. Being a mother tongue Italian makes the movie very special and likely more alluring than not being able to understand the language. From a movie technical standpoint, it is exceptional, it utilities various filming techniques which meld both the old and the new. As the director puts it at the beginning of the movie, La Chimera really is like an archeological finding, where initially it looks like you have found a ruble of rock and broken vase, only to then piece it together and realize you found a treasure. A must watch movie for those seeking the unusual, lovers of art, and those who wish to deepen an understanding of oneself.

“La chimera" delves into the labyrinth of the human psyche with enigmatic grace. Through stunning cinematography and evocative symbolism, the film invites viewers into a world where reality blurs with fantasy. Each frame is a canvas, painted with intricate layers of desire, obsession, and longing, echoing the surrealist masterpieces of cinema. "La chimera" is a mesmerising journey that challenges perceptions and leaves an indelible mark on the soul.