Short Summary: Finding Grace in Goodbye
Based on the posthumous book by Italian author Michela Murgia, Tre Ciotole (titled Three Goodbyes in English) is a poignant Italian-Spanish drama. It follows Marta and Antonio, a couple who separate after a seemingly trivial argument. While Antonio, a rising chef, buries himself in work, Marta finds herself losing her appetite, a symptom she initially attributes to heartbreak. However, she soon discovers her lack of appetite is tied to a life-changing health diagnosis, prompting a profound transformation in how she experiences the world, love, and the bittersweet beauty of her final chapter.
Theatrical Release: A Fall 2025 Release in Europe
Tre Ciotole is scheduled for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. It will then have a theatrical release in Italy on Thursday, October 9, 2025, distributed by Vision Distribution.
Detailed Summary: A Separation and a Diagnosis
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The film opens with Marta and Antonio’s breakup, sparked by a minor dispute, setting the stage for their separate but intertwined emotional journeys.
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Marta, played by Alba Rohrwacher, reacts to the separation by withdrawing into herself, and the most noticeable symptom of her grief is a sudden, persistent loss of appetite.
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As Antonio, portrayed by Elio Germano, finds solace in his culinary career, Marta receives a devastating health diagnosis that explains her physical symptoms.
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This diagnosis acts as a catalyst, completely altering her perception of the world. With a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for life, she begins to find joy in simple pleasures, from the taste of food to the sound of music.
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The film explores her journey of acceptance and self-discovery, showing how she finds grace and even joy in the process of saying goodbye, while Antonio grapples with his decision to leave and his inability to forget her.
Director’s Vision: The Inner Landscape of a Woman’s Final Chapter
Acclaimed Spanish director Isabel Coixet’s vision for Tre Ciotole is to explore the “inner landscape” of a woman facing two simultaneous events: a painful separation and an inevitable finality. Coixet, known for her sensitive and introspective films like The Secret Life of Words and The Bookshop, emphasizes that Marta is not a woman who compromises or begs, but one who accepts reality with grace. The director aims to show how even in the face of immense pain, there is still room for joy, desire, and a deep appreciation for life. The film is a poetic and emotional journey, set against the backdrop of modern Rome, that honors the spirit of the original book’s author, Michela Murgia.
Themes: The Meaning of Life, Love and Loss, and Radical Acceptance
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The Meaning of Life: The film grapples with profound questions about life, death, and what truly matters. Marta’s diagnosis forces her to re-evaluate her choices and find a new appreciation for the world around her, highlighting that life’s most beautiful moments are often found in the small details.
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Love and Loss: The film explores the multifaceted nature of love, from the pain of a breakup to the unconditional love one has for life itself. It shows how loss can be a catalyst for change and how it can deepen our understanding of what we hold dear.
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Radical Acceptance: A core theme is Marta’s journey toward radical acceptance. She confronts her reality without resistance, teaching the audience that there can be beauty and even joy in the process of saying goodbye.
Key success factors: Award-winning director, star-studded cast, and a powerful source material
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Isabel Coixet’s Acclaim: As a multi-award-winning director with titles like My Life Without Me and The Bookshop, Isabel Coixet brings a proven ability to craft emotionally resonant and visually stunning films, attracting both critics and a dedicated audience.
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The Ensemble Cast: The film’s success is bolstered by its lead actors, Alba Rohrwacher and Elio Germano, both of whom are celebrated, award-winning Italian actors. Their on-screen chemistry and dramatic talent are key to bringing the emotional weight of the story to life.
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A Beloved Literary Work: The film is based on the book by Michela Murgia, an influential Italian feminist and intellectual who passed away in 2023. The posthumous nature of the book, which sold over 200,000 copies in Italy, adds a layer of emotional resonance and a built-in audience eager to see the story adapted.
Awards and Nominations: A Promising Festival Debut
Tre Ciotole has been selected for a world premiere in the Special Presentations section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025. This prestigious festival premiere bodes well for its future awards prospects, positioning it as a film to watch in the upcoming awards season, particularly within the international film categories.
Release date on streaming: Awaiting Streaming Announcements
As of now, there have been no announcements regarding a streaming release. The film’s premiere at TIFF suggests it will have a theatrical run first.
Why to watch this movie: For a Deeply Human and Emotional Story
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A Story of Hope in the Face of Grief: This is a film for those who appreciate stories that find beauty and hope in the midst of loss and pain. It’s a reminder that even when facing the end, there is still an opportunity to live and to find joy.
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Masterful Direction and Acting: Fans of Isabel Coixet’s lyrical filmmaking and the powerful performances of Alba Rohrwacher and Elio Germano will not be disappointed. The film promises to be a showcase for their considerable talents.
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Based on a Powerful Book: The film is a tribute to the late Michela Murgia, and it offers an opportunity to experience her heartfelt and impactful writing in a new medium.
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A Celebration of the Human Spirit: Tre Ciotole is a film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, showing how even in the darkest of times, we can still find light, love, and a reason to embrace life.
Movie Trend: The Rise of International Literary Adaptations
This film is part of a growing trend of adapting beloved international literary works for the screen. With streaming services and a global audience, there is an increased demand for stories from different cultures and languages. Tre Ciotole is a prime example of this trend, bringing a celebrated Italian book to a wider international audience through the vision of a renowned Spanish director.
Social Trend: Embracing the Difficult Conversations
Tre Ciotole follows the social trend of embracing difficult conversations around topics like death, loss, and mental health. In a world that often shies away from these subjects, the film’s open and sensitive portrayal of a woman’s journey with a terminal illness resonates with a society that is becoming more accepting of talking about grief and mortality. It offers a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Final Verdict: A Poetic and Profound Drama
Tre Ciotole is poised to be a poetic and profound drama that explores the most fundamental aspects of the human experience. With Isabel Coixet’s sensitive direction and the powerful performances of her cast, the film promises to be a moving and unforgettable journey. It is not a film for those seeking a light-hearted escape, but for anyone who appreciates a story that tackles life, love, and loss with grace, honesty, and a profound sense of hope, it will be an essential watch.