“The Storm”: a reflection on war and humanity through the eyes of children

At the heart of “The Storm” is the friendship between Zeno, who is struggling with the recent loss of his mother, and Flora, whose family enjoys a light-hearted life on the beach. Their daily life happens under the shadow of an approaching war they hear about through the radio. As a ferocious storm engulfs the bay, Zeno and Flora’s friendship is tested, highlighting how external pressures can stress even the strongest relationships.

The film, by young director Angela Conigliaro, subtly illustrates how external conflicts merge into personal relationships, questioning how small disputes can escalate into larger social issues.

The bond between the two children represents the innocence amidst chaos, forming a clear contrast with the rising tensions between their families. By focusing the narrative on the friendship, the film transcends typical war stories to convey universal messages of hope, understanding, and the human capacity for resilience. The director’s vision is deeply rooted in a desire for reflection, particularly concerning our responses to conflicts, be they personal disputes or global wars. It urges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of hostility and empathy, challenging the notion that war is an abstract concept detached from our everyday lives. Instead, it suggests that the seeds of conflict often lie in our daily interactions.

The storm itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the chaos of war, acting as a pivotal turning point in the narrative. It is not just a physical phenomenon – it embodies the larger forces at play in the world. What was once a simple dispute spirals into a greater issue, showing how easily misunderstandings can spiral into larger conflicts, much like how the storm develops from quiet winds to a ferocious tempest. This transformation serves as a strong reminder for audiences about the fragility of peace and harmony in our lives, both personal and collective.

By framing war through the lens of nature, the film engages viewers of all ages in a discussion about the impacts of conflict without resorting to a typical war narrative. Nature is portrayed as a character in the film, enhancing its visual storytelling and deepening the emotional weight carried by the characters.

Visually, the film employs a remarkable colour palette to differentiate between moments of peace and chaos. Gentle tints accompany serene moments while bold and contrasting colours dominate scenes of fear and violence. The visual is complemented by thoughtful sound design, using the audio of bullets and explosions to create an atmosphere that immerses the viewer in both the emotional and physical experience of the characters.

The aftermath of the storm leaves the bay unrecognisable, mirroring the destruction caused by actual conflicts in our world. However, the film balances this darkness with an uplifting message of hope and resilience. The shared experience of surviving the storm unites the families, culminating in a powerful narrative of community rebuilding and reconciliation.

In a world where conflicts continue to plague societies, “The Storm” wants to be a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of maintaining compassion, even in the face of rising conflicts.

The “Storm” is produced by beQ entertainment and Rai Kids, with the participation of the Sardegna Film Commission with the artists and animators of the NAS (New Animation in Sardegna) project, and the patronage of UNICEF.