1. Plot Summary
Set in summer‑time Sicily, 15‑year‑old Melissa navigates adolescence under the distant care of her mother and nurturing grandmother. After a party crush, she experiences a traumatic first sexual encounter that opens her to a whirlwind of exploration—diary entries, casual relationships, online encounters, and emotional highs and lows. The film charts her journey of self‑discovery, as she learns painful lessons about love, sexuality, control, and ultimately, self‑worth.
2. Notable Elements
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Bold Source Material: Adapted from Melissa Panarello’s confessional novel One Hundred Strokes of the Brush Before Bed, the film dares to reveal teen sexuality with candid intensity.
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Standout Lead Performance: María Valverde’s portrayal captures innocence, confusion, rebellion, and resilience—a demanding emotional range in the spotlight.
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Generational Contrast: Geraldine Chaplin’s grounded presence as Melissa’s grandmother provides emotional anchor and counterbalance to her mother’s detachment.
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Visual Tone: Cinematographer Mario Amura envelops Sicily’s warmth in a soft palette, evoking both nostalgia and introspection.
3. Themes & Messages
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Sexual Awakening & Agency: Melissa’s experiences oscillate between exploitation and empowerment, exploring autonomy and the consequences of desire.
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Emotional Neglect: With a father absent and a mother emotionally distant, Melissa’s escapades reflect a search for validation and affection .
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Public Shame & Redemption: A critical turning point occurs when her private diary is exposed—forcing her to confront societal judgment and reclaim dignity.
4. Personal Impressions
Pros:
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Unflinching honesty—Guadagnino approaches teen sexuality thoughtfully yet unguardedly.
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Valverde is arresting: her Melissa feels lived-in, flawed, and real.
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Chaplin provides emotional sincerity that grounds the film’s more turbulent moments.
Cons:
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The tone wavers—critics note the narrative feels fragmented and occasionally tonally confused.
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Some sequences lack the emotional payoff they build toward, diluting impact .
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Audience and critics were divided—while some valued its frankness, others considered it shallow or exploitative .
5. Audience Recommendations
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For Guadagnino fans: Offers insight into an early, formative period of his filmmaking.
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Coming-of-age drama watchers: If you’re drawn to raw explorations of teenage growth and identity, this film resonates.
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Mature, reflective viewers: International cinema watchers who appreciate emotional complexity—even when imperfect.
✘ Not suitable for those seeking polished storytelling or lighthearted entertainment—this is intense and unfiltered.
6. Conclusion & Rating
Melissa P. is a provocative and emotionally charged exploration of teenage sexual awakening. Its strengths lie in its honesty, Valverde’s affecting performance, and Chaplin’s emotional steadiness. But tonal inconsistency and unfinished narrative threads hold it back from being fully realized.
🎯 Final Recommendation: Worth watching for its brave subject matter and performances—but brace yourself for an uneven, sometimes uncomfortable ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐☆ 3 out of 5 stars
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