Prepare to be touched by a story that explores the delicate nature of goodbyes and the bittersweet art of letting go. In Isabel Coixet's evocative film, "Three Goodbyes," the audience is graced by the dazzling performance of Alba Rohrwacher, who brings heartfelt nuance to this adaptation of Michela Murgia's poignant short story collection. The film, infused with a sense of nostalgia, is a tender tribute to the significance of farewells— from the everyday partings we encounter to the monumental, final goodbye that awaits us all.
The narrative kicks off with what seems like a typical disagreement between lovers Marta (portrayed by Rohrwacher) and her partner Antonio (played by Elio Germano). It's an ordinary evening, but the tension in their banter unexpectedly escalates and leads to Antonio moving out, leaving Marta grappling with the emotional fallout. What follows is a relatable but quiet period of grief: Antonio immerses himself in his restaurant work, while Marta navigates her solitude in an empty apartment, marked by a dripping faucet and an unconventional dinner of ketchup on crackers. Concerned for her well-being, her sister (Silvia D'Amico) and friends express worry, while Marta reflects on her struggles with disordered eating and a troubling lack of appetite. Amidst her journey of healing, she engages in whimsical acts—like conversing with a slightly dirty cardboard cutout of a K-pop star she discovered in the trash and leaving anonymous one-star reviews for Antonio's thriving restaurant.
The cinematography by Guido Michelotti captures the world in 35mm, presenting a vision that is visually appealing but not overly romanticized. However, it's particularly striking when the sunlight hugs Marta's artistically tousled blonde hair, creating a warm ambiance that suddenly shifts when she receives a shocking diagnosis from her doctor (Sarita Choudrey).
Rather than slipping into the clichés typical of a "disease-of-the-week" drama, Coixet manages to maintain a sense of wistful wisdom throughout the film. The focus gradually intensifies on Rohrwacher, who, much like her character, starts to unfold under the lens, revealing hidden depths. Just as icebergs reveal only a fraction of their true selves above water, Marta’s personal journey contrasts grief with rediscovery.
As the story progresses, Marta's life is injected with new purpose following her dire news—she reconnects with Antonio, strikes up a charming relationship with a colleague (Francesco Carril), and intervenes compassionately in the lives of two students exhibiting self-destructive behaviors. It’s as if a sunset has illuminated vibrant colors in the mundane tapestry of her daily life. The screenplay, crafted by Coixet and Enrico Audenino, beautifully encapsulates ordinary interactions, striking a chord with audiences who appreciate refreshingly authentic moments in film. For instance, Marta acquires three bowls, symbolizing her renewed appetite for life—not through some profound journey, but rather through a modest reward system at her grocery store.
The dialogue sparkles with wit, with characters like Marta offering amusing insights such as, "I am not brave enough to turn down an invitation from people I don’t like." Yet, it's in the tranquil moments that the film shines brightest, as the toughest and most enduring goodbye shifts towards acceptance, filled with gratitude for the remaining moments yet to be savored. Rohrwacher's remarkable ability to elevate even the most introspective scenes into compelling visual storytelling is exemplified here, as we catch glimpses of an inner peace that seems so profound, it feels like it transcends this life into what lies beyond.
While this may sound sentimental or overly sweet, it is essential to consider the importance of reflecting on how we wish to be remembered after we're gone. Occasionally pondering how life continues in our absence can effectively shape the kind of person we strive to be while we are still actively living. Eventually, though hopefully not for a long while, the world will manage quite well without you—except for those fleeting moments when it won’t. This is the essence captured in the beautifully crafted narrative of "Three Goodbyes": a life imbued with love that lingers in the hearts of those who remain.
