Yara

Yara, a 2019 Italian drama film, is centered around one of the most shocking and traumatic events in the history of a small town in Lombardy, Italy. The murder of 13-year-old Yara Gambirasio is explored in vivid detail, shedding light on the emotional trauma that this devastating crime unleashes upon her loved ones and the community. The film's gripping narrative, directed by Alessandro Gassmann, delves into the aftermath of Yara's disappearance and later the discovery of her lifeless body in a field near her home. This gruesome event sets off a chain reaction of police investigations and desperate attempts by the community to come to terms with the reality of the atrocity. As law enforcement officials dig deeper into the case, it becomes evident that there is very little to go on – no clear leads, no eyewitnesses, and no signs that point to a possible suspect. However, prosecutors Giorgio Salvioni (played by Giuseppe Cristiani) and Roberto Di Martino (played by Pierfrancesco Favino) remain resolute in their pursuit of justice for the deceased girl and her tearfully anguished family. They have at their disposal some DNA analysis from a piece of clothing that was at the scene of the murder, despite not having a vast database to reference against, which presents an uphill battle. Meanwhile, the narrative shifts focus to the victim's close-knit community. We meet Yara's devastated parents, Bruno and Elvira Gambirasio, who are grappling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their only daughter. Her mother, particularly, struggles with the psychological impact of the tragedy, which makes each new revelation or investigation finding an unbearable burden. Her father, more stoically, becomes increasingly fixated on supporting his family during this traumatic period and in demanding justice for the girl. In addition to her family, we observe the townspeople of Brembate di Sopra. The residents of this quiet Lombardy town, once united in celebrating family and local traditions, are gradually disquieted by the tragic incident. A deep sense of mistrust creeps into the air as neighbors become accusatory, fueling the uncertainty, while anxiety lingers in everyone's hearts. A key character within the narrative is Yara's older brother, Massimo (played by Davide Salazar). He's not only the eldest child in the family but now finds himself in the unenviable position of being the emotional stronghold during these harrowing moments, while also grappling with the weight of being a younger sibling. This aspect of the story showcases not only the human toll that the murder inflicts upon those closest to the victim but also a poignant portrayal of sibling loyalty and support. Director Gassmann uses the investigation to explore themes of community, loss, and resilience. As prosecutors toil away for the truth, their quest is matched by an increasing sense of solidarity with the townsfolk as they, too, strive to come to terms with their collective trauma. In Yara, true events drive the storyline which, coupled with exceptional performances from the cast, makes for a moving experience that lingers within viewers long after the credits roll. With each passing scene, we become aware of how a senseless crime can shatter an entire town's psyche and push its residents to the limit.