Out of My League
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Out of My League
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the Italian film Out of My League has some quirky characters and scenarios as well as sexual situations, language, and a potentially sad central storyline. The main character is dying, and we see her at doctor's appointments, in the hospital, and stuck taking her many medications. But she is brave and maintains a plucky attitude. She also has the wholehearted support of her two best friends, a gay man and a lesbian woman who form her surrogate family since her parents died when she was three (and who are discussing forming a family of their own). We see couples having sex (man naked from behind and thrusting, part of the woman naked from the side, a woman in lingerie, a man shirtless, a woman in a bra) and kissing. There's discussion of menstruation, ovulation, insemination, and "S&M." Young adults drink at a bar. Language in the English subtitles includes "f--k," "f--king," "s--tty," "damn," "a--hole," "d--k," "bitch," "head-butt," "moron," "coward," "God," "jerk," and "balls."
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What's the Story?
Marta (Ludovica Francesconi) is dying of an incurable disease and decides to make her final months count in OUT OF MY LEAGUE. For her, that means having a date with the most handsome man she can find, who turns out to be Arturo (Giuseppe Maggio). She's supported in her pursuit by her best friends, Federica (Gaja Masciale) and Jacopo (Jozef Gjura), who are her surrogate family since her parents passed away when she was three. Marta convinces Arturo to have dinner with her, and though the night doesn't go well, it does set them down a path toward possibly something more.
Is It Any Good?
This Italian romantic drama really picks up in the second half when it stops trying so hard to be quirky and settles into a sincere love story. Out of My League seems to have taken a few pages out of the Amelie playbook (the 2001 French hit) -- from the eccentric protagonist with a pageboy haircut to the film's red/green/yellow palette and accordion music. The difference is that Amelie was appealing because she wanted to do good in the world, while League's Marta just wants to "do" a handsome guy. She's looking for a romantic experience before she dies, so you understand her single-mindedness, but the build-up to their first date is an awkward jumble of forced scenes.
There are some funny one-liners (there's "more dignity in being rejected by someone out of my league") and a cute bit involving how she transforms her job reading daily grocery store discounts over a loudspeaker into a sexy voice performance. Marta's best friends slash housemates slash substitute parents are annoyingly available at her every whim -- don't these people have day jobs? Marta warns us at the start that this isn't like those trendy teen tearjerkers where the dying kid is perfect and popular. But, in fact, Marta is adorable. This is hit home during a montage where she auditions a variety of first date outfits. When the handsome, wealthy Arturo falls for her, it's a lot less surprising than the film wants us to believe. And when her illness inevitably comes between them, it's as heartbreaking as the film intends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Marta's illness in Out of My League. How does she handle her dire diagnosis? What other movies have you seen about young people with incurable diseases?
Federica and Jacopo are considering having a baby. Why is this decision a tricky one for them? Do you think they make a good choice at the end? Why or why not?
This film takes place in Turin, Italy. Could the story take place elsewhere? What would need to change, do you think?
How would you describe the use of color in this film, in wardrobes, sets, props, and even hair?
Were you surprised by the multiple references to American actors and movies in an Italian film? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 18, 2021
- Cast: Ludovica Francesconi, Giuseppe Maggio, Jozef Gjura
- Director: Alice Filippi
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship
- Run time: 91 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Amelie
Thoughtful, charming, whimsical film has mature moments.
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The Fault in Our Stars
Heartbreaking love story is a must-see for fans of the book.
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Chemical Hearts
Grief, trauma, sex, and heartbreak in book-based teen drama.
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