“Land Christmas dinners have the power to fix things.” This is what Gianna, the protagonist of, hopes for I hate Christmas 2the second season of the Italian series released today on Netflix with 6 new episodes. Playing her again is a delightful Pilar Fogliatiwho rides his inseparable bicycle through the streets of Chioggia, trying to solve his heart problems.
I hate Christmas 2the plot of the series
One year from the previous Christmas. Gianna continues to work as a nurse at the Chioggia hospital. She divides her time between family and friends, but there is big news in her life: she is engaged to Umberto (Glen Blackhall), doctor in his own hospital, with which things seem to be going swimmingly. In fact, the holidays are approaching and everything seems perfect.
Instead, once again, fate has unexpected surprises in store for her. A unexpected event that leads to disastrous consequences. What is it about? It’s about perhaps an unforgivable mistake, perhaps not, but which certainly puts an end to the love story with Umberto.
All her certainties, obviously, collapse, but Gianna doesn’t give up. He wants to win back his beloved to put all the pieces of his life back in place. And to do so he only has 24 days available, those remaining until the traditional dinner at the Belotti housewhich however this year takes place at his home.
Pilar Fogliati in a scene from “I Hate Christmas 2”. (Netflix)
Easier said than done, because his desire to fix things clashes with free will, and above all with destiny. There is a question, in fact, that accompanies the new series: Who rang the doorbell at the end of the first season, the one that Gianna opens and smiles at whoever she is? An event that triggers more than one problem, not only with Umberto.
Pierpaolo Spollon is Filippo. (Netflix)
Pierpaolo Spollon among the new entries in the cast
While he tries to keep everything upright like a skilled juggler, Filippo (Pierpaolo Spollon) enters his life. New neighbor on the landing who has just arrived together with his fifteen-year-old daughter, Monica (Chiara Bono). A widower who has just taken over Caterina’s bacaro (Cecilia Bertozzi, present only in the first season) and with whom Gianna becomes a friend, a precious sidekick.
Then there are his sister Margherita (Fiorenza Pieri) and his lifelong friend Titti (Beatrice Arnera). They too are dealing with emotional issues of no small importance. Nicolas Maupas returns as Davide, Massimo Rigo and Sabrina Paravicini in those of Pietro and Marta, Gianna’s parents.
Among the new acquisitions also Matteo Martari in the role of Alessandro, a charming lawyer who comes from the past. In the end, Fortunato Cerlino and Jenny De Nucci they are Elio and Stella, two patients with whom Gianna establishes a special relationship.
“I Hate Christmas 2”, Nicolas Maupas plays Davide. Here with Pilar Fogliati. (Netflix)
I hate Christmas 2the review
The series confirms itself as a well-made, well-directed and well-acted product. If the first season was limited in part to following, albeit with some license, the original series (the Norwegian Christmas with a Stranger – Hjem til jul), the second takes a step forward. It delves into the psychology of the characters, moving away from Nordic alter egos and returning an even more compelling portrait of the protagonist.
Gianna has significant emotional growth. She puts herself on the line, continually falls and continually gets up again. And Margherita and Titti also do the same, which is also granted more space. The three friends complete each other and never let the other lack friendship, presence, support and solidarity. It is a strong trio, a photograph of many facets of the female soul.
From left Fiorenza Pieri, Pilar Fogliati and Beatrice Arnera. (Netflix)
Each of them and each for different reasons is looking not only for love, but above all for its center. And this is the leitmotif of the series. Gianna takes a journey typical of a romantic comedy, with ups and downs among many different emotions, a journey in which the only way to avoid getting hurt is to accept falls. What each of us is.
He must also understand that love, as one of the characters suggests, «is no longer ahead. Either he’s the right person or he’s not».
Produced by Luca and Matilde Bernabei, I hate Christmas 2 is directed by Laura Chiossone. The head writer is Elena Bucaccio, who wrote the screenplay together with Costanza Cerasi, Silvia Leuzzi, Viola Rispoli and Chiara Villa.
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED