Home / Arts and Entertainment / Italian Woman Kidnaps Child to Relive Her Past in Upcoming Drama
Italian Woman Kidnaps Child to Relive Her Past in Upcoming Drama
25 Aug
Summary
- Carolina Cavalli's second feature film 'The Kidnapping of Arabella' premieres at Venice Film Festival
- Film follows a 28-year-old Italian woman who becomes convinced a child is her younger self
- Main character seeks to 'go back and become someone special'

In the upcoming psychological drama 'The Kidnapping of Arabella', director Carolina Cavalli returns to the Venice Film Festival with her second feature film. The movie, which is set to debut in the Horizons section, follows the story of 28-year-old Italian woman Holly.
Holly has always felt like she is the 'wrong version' of herself, and that her life has not turned out as expected. When she meets a young girl named Arabella, Holly becomes convinced the child is her younger self. Eager to 'go back and become someone special', Holly decides to kidnap Arabella and play out her fantasy.
Cavalli explains that the film is not a traditional kidnapping story, but rather a exploration of Holly's personal journey to make peace with her regrets and unmet expectations. The director drew inspiration from online forums and her own reflections on the tendency for adults to feel that 'life is always happening somewhere else'.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Though the film has comedic elements, Cavalli says it began with serious themes that she believes many people can relate to. 'The Kidnapping of Arabella' is a production by Elsinore Film, The Apartment, and Piperfilm, with international sales handled by Piperfilm and Charades.