As claustrophobic a story as the fog-bound mountainous village of Avechot in which it’s set, La ragazza nella nebbia is a well-crafted thriller as 15 year-old Anna disappears one night in the 300 metres or so between home and church.
Writer/director Donato Carrisi makes his feature film debut, adapting his own novel for the screen and where character and dialogue is as important as action. With the girl missing, arrogant, high-profile Inspector Vogel (Toni Servillo) arrives on the scene – a man shrouded in controversy with his questionable use of the media in solving crime. He’s a man only interested in getting results – whatever it takes.
In such a small town with its own secrets, all are suspect – some more than others. And it’s up to Vogel to identify – with more than a little help from the resident psychiatrist, Jean Reno. There’s plenty of twists to keep you engaged and, whilst, at the end of the day a minor feature, The Girl in the Fog is a pleasant enough diversion.
Rating: 60%
Director: Donato Carrisi (Into the Labyrinth)
Writer: Donato Carrisi (Into the Labyrinth) – adapted from his own novel
Main cast: Toni Servillo (Gomorra, The Great Beauty), Jean Reno (Leon, Da 5 Bloods), Lorenzo Richelmy (Rainbow: A Private Affair, Reckless)
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