In his feature debut A Classic Horror Story (2021), director Paolo Strippoli reveled in the conventions of the horror genre, crafting a bloody spectacle. Now, he leads us into the rural heart of Italy. Sergio, a teacher bearing scars from the past, transfers to the tranquil village of Remis. The seemingly perfect setting for a new start, however, hides a stunning secret. Anyone who hugs Matteo, a 15-year-old boy, finds peace of mind. But as the community grows increasingly dependent on the boy, Sergio strives to save him. Much like Carrie (1976) and Let the Right One In (2008), the film explores the vulnerability and duality of a wounded protagonist. However, it reimagines these themes through an Italian horror lens, amplifying the suspense with supernatural elements. Blending folk horror and psychological thriller with precision, Strippoli walks a fine line between a community gripped by mass hysteria and a boy spiraling out of control. The commotion surrounding the mysterious boy invites us to reflect on what makes us human—namely, the meaning of sorrow.
Born in Corato, Bari, Italy in 1993, he studied Performing Arts at Sapienza University before studying directing at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC) in Rome. In 2019, he won the Franco Solinas Award for Best Story for the co-written short screenplay The Unhappy Angel. His Netflix original film A Classic Horror Story (2021), co-directed with Roberto De Feo, won the Best Director award at the 67th Taormina Film Fest, and his psychological horror film Flowing (2022) was selected for the competition sections of the Sitges Film Festival, Austin Fantastic Fest, and Rome′s "Alice nella Città." His third feature, Holy Boy (2025), screened out of competition at the Venice Film Festival to critical and audience acclaim. The Spiral, starring Jasmine Trinca, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, and Adriano Giannini, had its world premiere in the main competition at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.
From Busan International Film Festival 2025, No. 30
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