The Tearsmith (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Tearsmith, directed by Alessandro Genovesi, is a 2024 Netflix adaptation of Erin Doom’s best-selling Italian novel Fabbricante di lacrime (The Tearmaker). This atmospheric film, blending romance, trauma, and the mysterious elements of a fairy tale, dives deep into the emotional and psychological lives of two orphans, Nica and Rigel. As they struggle with their past and uncertain futures, viewers are treated to a visual feast that, while stunning, may not offer the depth some may hope for in its narrative.
The Storyline
The film begins with Nica Dover (Caterina Ferioli) arriving at Sunnycreek Orphanage, which the children darkly nickname “Grave.” After her parents’ tragic death, Nica navigates life under the cruel headmistress Margaret Stoker (Sabrina Paravicini), with only her friend Adeline (Eco Andriolo) for comfort. The orphanage, a cold and imposing structure, becomes a breeding ground for trauma. It’s here that we meet Rigel Wilde (Simone Baldasseroni), a brooding young man who has Margaret’s favor but remains distant and hostile to everyone, especially Nica.
As fate would have it, both Nica and Rigel are adopted by Anna (Roberta Rovelli) and Norman Milligan (Orlando Cinque), a couple grieving the loss of their son. The plot thickens as the two, now living under the same roof and attending Barnaby High School, must reconcile their conflicting feelings and shared past. Rigel’s unpredictable temper and mysterious ailments add layers of tension as the two are slowly pulled closer together, despite their resistance.
The narrative is filled with fairy-tale metaphors and drawn-out emotional encounters, with Rigel and Nica exchanging prolonged gazes and ambiguous, almost poetic lines, such as, “Are you brave enough to imagine a fairy tale without a wolf?” These moments reflect the inner turmoil both characters experience, as they grapple with the trauma from Sunnycreek and their confusing relationship.
The Cinematography and Directing
Visually, The Tearsmith excels. Alessandro Genovesi, known for his attention to detail and atmospheric storytelling, frames each scene with deliberate care, especially when it comes to the evolving relationship between Nica and Rigel. The cold, sterile setting of Sunnycreek is contrasted by the warmer, more comforting home of the Milligans. Yet, both places serve as a reminder of the emotional fragility of the two protagonists.
The film’s use of soft lighting, tight close-ups, and muted colors gives it a dreamy, almost gothic aesthetic, reminiscent of fantasy and fairy-tale settings. The visual storytelling is one of The Tearsmith‘s strongest elements, compensating somewhat for the weaknesses in the script and character development.
The Weaknesses: A Clichéd YA Romance
While the cinematography shines, the narrative falls into many of the tropes that plague the young adult (YA) genre. The Tearsmith pulls heavily from the classic YA playbook, complete with a misunderstood, tortured male lead (Rigel), a resilient female protagonist (Nica), and a simmering romance riddled with tension and unspoken feelings. The film’s reliance on these familiar tropes — enemies to lovers, forbidden love, and love triangles — can feel predictable, making it hard for the story to stand out amidst similar narratives in the genre.
The dialogue, penned by Eleonora Fiorini and Genovesi, often veers into melodrama, with lines that feel out of place in a modern setting. While these may be lifted from the original novel, the over-the-top language can detract from the emotional resonance the film aims to build. For instance, a character’s remark about a thorn on a rose, “It reminds me even beautiful things can cause pain,” feels forced and unoriginal in a story that otherwise has potential for deeper exploration of pain and healing.
Standout Performances
Caterina Ferioli delivers a solid performance as Nica, embodying the character’s internal struggle with grace. Nica’s journey from traumatized orphan to a young woman facing her demons is a highlight, and Ferioli manages to convey this transformation convincingly. Her chemistry with Baldasseroni, who plays Rigel, adds depth to the otherwise predictable love story, though Baldasseroni’s portrayal of Rigel often feels one-dimensional, echoing the stereotypical brooding male lead.
Supporting characters, such as Nicky Passarella as Billie and Sveva Romana Candelletta as Miki, provide light-hearted moments that break up the intensity of the central romance. However, these characters feel underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more from their arcs.
Themes and Subtext
At its core, The Tearsmith explores themes of trauma, love, and identity. Nica and Rigel’s shared experiences at Sunnycreek bind them in ways neither can fully understand, and the film attempts to unpack the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. However, the deeper emotional stakes are often overshadowed by the focus on the central romance. The trauma each character faces is hinted at but never fully explored, leaving the audience with a superficial understanding of their pain.
The fairy-tale metaphors scattered throughout the film—Rigel’s comparison to a wolf, Nica as the innocent yet strong heroine—add an interesting layer but are sometimes overused, reducing their impact.
Streaming Availability
The Tearsmith is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. As one of the platform’s new releases in 2024, the film quickly climbed the rankings in several countries, including the U.S., due in part to the popularity of the original novel. For viewers in America, the film is accessible through Netflix’s subscription-based streaming service.
Final Verdict: Stream It or Skip It?
For fans of YA romance and those who enjoy fairy-tale retellings, The Tearsmith might be a satisfying watch. Its visually captivating cinematography and strong lead performances elevate what is otherwise a predictable and clichéd narrative. However, for those seeking a fresh take on the YA romance genre, or a deeper exploration of trauma and healing, The Tearsmith may fall short.
While the film has its moments, especially visually, the story ultimately feels shallow, and its reliance on overused tropes detracts from the emotional impact it could have had. Nevertheless, if you enjoy tales of forbidden love, gothic aesthetics, and YA drama, it’s worth giving The Tearsmith a chance.
