Liverpool Film Festival 2019: Time flies in character driven drama Cronofobia

By Liam Jones

The title refers to the fear of time passing; it’s not a term used directly by the characters in Francesco Rizzi’s accomplished debut feature, but the notion of elision infuses the narrative.

This is a story, told in enigmatic miniature, of a moment of against-the-odds connection that brings fleeting comfort to the lead characters, Michael (Vinicio Marchioni) and Anna (Sabine Timoteo). Michael is a mysterious character. He has the aura of a hitman – complete with fake facial hair – but his actual job is far less interesting. However, it is this less interesting job that causes his obsession with grieving widow, Anna. Anna is an insomniac overcome with loneliness, she pushes the world away to cope with her grief - until she unwittingly gets into the van of her muse, Michael.

Daniela Gambora and Francesco Rizzi’s screenplay is almost perfect. The mystery that surrounds the two leads is magnetic. The depth of exploration into how they think and act is exceptional and to delve this deep and still be enigmatic is impressive.  You could argue that the mystery unravels too soon, but the character work allows for emotional investment that drags you through the final third.

Cinematographer, Simon Guy Fässler, captures the back-drop of Switzerland in an intriguenig way. Using dull lit square office spaces and insignificant locations, Fässler creates a sense of nothingness which is reflected in Anna's emotional state.

The initial bubbling, electronic score (Zeno Gabaglio) gives way to a more melodic approach as the film progresses. But the most affecting element of the soundtrack is a reading of Charles Bukowski’s poem, ’Nirvana’, which chimes beautifully with the film’s themes of transient yet profound connections.

Incredibly original, Cronofobia works as a thought provoking mystery thriller, but it addresses much more sensitive and often overlooked issues. The themes are executed well by Rizzi, and accompanied with the casts delivery make it one of the most memorable features from Liverpool Film Festival 2019.