The St. ALi Italian Film Festival kicked off last night with an extravagant opening night event and screening of Gloria!

Gloria! is the directorial debut of Italian pop singer Margherita Vicario, and is a lively historical musical that mixes rebellion, music, and feminism in 1800s Venice. At its heart is Teresa, a mute maid at Sant Ignazio College, a strict musical institute for orphan girls. Although confined to menial tasks, Teresa secretly nurtures a hidden talent, a skill that brings her and a group of students together for nightly musical escapades.

The film’s plot revolves around the girls’ preparation for a Pope’s visit, an event that triggers both musical and social chaos as they begin to defy the institution’s oppressive rules. Through musical sequences and energetic performances, particularly from lead actress Galatéa Bellugi, Gloria! celebrates the forgotten female composers of history who were sidelined by patriarchal systems.

One of the most striking aspects of Gloria! is its visual richness. The cinematography by Gianluca Palma beautifully captures French revolution era Italy, with the atmospheric interiors of the Venetian institution serving as a fitting backdrop for the film’s themes of rebellion and artistic expression.

In terms of performances, Galatéa Bellugi as Teresa shines, offering a nuanced portrayal of a character whose journey is one of quiet yet powerful transformation. The chemistry among the young female cast is another standout feature, with each actress contributing to the film’s overall sense of camaraderie and collective defiance​. This connection is palpable, particularly between Teresa and Lucia, who throughout the film are musical rivals.

Music, as expected from Vicario, plays a central role, with the soundtrack blending classical and modern elements to great effect. The musical sequences are exhilarating, lifting the narrative into moments of pure joy and revolution. Vicario’s own experience as a pop singer-songwriter shines through here, as she uses music not just to entertain but to deepen the emotional stakes of the film. Despite some criticism for its somewhat formulaic script, Gloria! succeeds in delivering a joyful message, celebrating female empowerment through music and solidarity. Audiences will find it difficult not to tap their feet and cheer for these rebellious young women as they break free from societal constraints.

While the film can be seen as following familiar beats, particularly in its underdog story structure, Gloria! transcends these conventions through its infectious energy and strong feminist message​. Vicario celebrates the forgotten women of history, those who were written out of the narrative, and in doing so, creates a work that feels fresh, modern, and deeply relevant.

Gloria! is a visually stunning, musically rich, and emotionally resonant film that firmly establishes Margherita Vicario as a director to watch. It’s an ode to the power of music, the resilience of women, and the joy of breaking free.

**** Four stars.

You can see Gloria! at Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas in Adelaide or any of the wonderful films on show as part of the St. ALi Italian Film Festival now. Get your tickets here.