TOarrives on Netflix My joyMargherita Spampinato’s debut film: a delightful coming-of-age story in an ancient and beautiful Sicily. The meeting between the elderly aunt Gela and her nephew Nico is one between generations and opposite worlds which finds a special bond in the memory and beauty of the present. A tale of times gone by in which the formidable actress Aurora Quattrocchi shines, awarded with a David for best actress together with Spampinato (Best New Director).
Margherita Spampinato directed and wrote My joy with a look at his personal historyto certain Sicilian summer memories together with my grandmother and aunts. The idea of My joy comes from my childhood memories. I grew up in Rome in a secular and rational family, without too many rules. The atmosphere of my home was very different from what I found in Sicily, where I spent my holidays every summer at the home of my elderly “ladies” aunts, my grandmother’s cousins. From them I breathed a deeply religious, but also magical and superstitious atmosphere, they were convinced of the existence of spirits, and this was very powerful for me.”
What emerges is a vivid portraitbuilt in small steps in which superstitions, childhood visions, a realistic and at times nostalgic Italy come to life, creating a highly evocative story.
My joy on Netflix, Italian film streaming, plot
Little Nico (Marco Fiore) he is sent by his parents to spend the summer at Gela’s house (Aurora Quattrocchi), the elderly paternal aunt who lives in a small village in Sicily. The first moments together are certainly not perfect. The woman appears grumpy, rigid, very routine and with precise ideas about the education and behavior of a child.
In the large apartment, located in an old building, there is no WiFi or television. Instead of air conditioning there is a fan, statues and portraits of Jesus and the Saints fill the walls and furniture. Among the large rooms with the shutters perpetually lowered due to too much sun and heat, mysterious noises and sounds echo. For Gela’s neighbors, friends and peers, they are the sighs of the spirits. They would like Father Felice to bless the palace to give serenity to their souls and they think that Nico has the gift of sensitivity because he too can perceive them.
The days pass and the relationship between aunt and nephew improves. He explains how to behave at the table, teaches him how to cook the basics of traditional dishes which he defines as fundamental. Explain the importance of a well-made bed, perfectly ironed sheets, love and respect for animals and for the dog Frank.
Nico meets the other children of the palace and in particular befriends Rosa (Martina Ziami). While Gela and her friends play cards and prepare Sunday lunch together, the two kids venture into the other apartments to hunt for ghosts. When in the stance of Gela they find a box full of old photographs, the woman first he gets angry at the intrusion and then he tells Nico his story.
Cast and location, where the film was shot
The filming of My joy they took place largely in Trapani. The old building where Gela lives was found by the director thanks to a tip from a friend. A perfect place that manages to restore among its ancient rooms the mysterious noises that scare and attract Nico. The true sense of neighborhood is a small harem enclosed in the encounters of a courtyard.
The exteriors show a non-touristy city in which to walk while looking at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo e the beach near the Tramontana Walls. What makes this great little film delightful is the cast in which the mature performers shine. Strong women who welcome and comfort relatives and friends with tales, superstitions and food. Little Marco Fiore is perfectly in part: with his natural acting he fully expresses a restless and profoundly good child, capable of rare altruistic gestures.
Aurora Quattrocchi (New world) conquers the viewer with his interpretation of a woman marked by pain but capable of great impulses. The award received at the David di Donatello 2026 as best leading actress it is truly deserved.