At the Lido in Venice, an Italian quintet is racing through love, ghosts and horror.

Venezia 2026 marks the opening of its 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival, with the official selection featuring fifteen Italian titles, five of which are in competition. Among them is the return of Nanni Moretti after 45 years since his last feature, Sogni d’oro, and 37 years since Palombella Rossa was excluded from the lineup. This year’s festival sees the absence of a traditional patroness, replaced instead by Greta Scarano and Nicolas Maupas as hosts. The anticipation is high for the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, which is expected to go to George Clooney, while fans eagerly await the reunion of the band Oasis, whose members will perform during the event. The festival has been marked by notable absences and unexpected additions. The highly anticipated film Digger, starring Tom Cruise, has been pulled from the lineup by Warner Bros., reportedly due to tensions following the reception of Joker 2 at the previous edition. Despite this, the Italian contingent has remained robust, with several films showcasing a blend of emotional depth, psychological tension, and social commentary. The festival's programming reflects a rich diversity of voices and styles, with a focus on both established directors and emerging talents. Among the Italian entries in competition is Succederà questa notte, directed by Nanni Moretti. Based on stories by Eshkol Nevo, the film explores the complex relationship between two individuals, Greta and Matteo, who repeatedly meet at inconvenient times. The narrative is grounded in personal emotion and introspection, reflecting Moretti’s signature style of blending humor with existential inquiry. The film is part of a broader trend of Italian cinema that continues to explore intimate human connections through nuanced storytelling. Another entry, The Echo Chamber, directed by Andrea Pallaoro, is based on a screenplay written by Bernardo Bertolucci, who had previously worked on the project. The film follows the lives of three characters, Leo, a troubled musician; Anne, a physiotherapist; and Ava, a renowned singer, whose paths intersect in a confined space. It is described as a story of ghosts, both literal and metaphorical, offering a meditation on memory, identity, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. Marco Bechis’s Ritorno a Buenos Aires brings attention to historical trauma, focusing on the experiences of an ex-internment camp survivor who returns to Argentina to testify against former military officials. The film revisits the country’s turbulent past, highlighting the enduring impact of political violence on individual lives. Its inclusion in the competition underscores the festival’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues through cinematic storytelling. Edoardo De Angelis’s Il fuoco che ti porti dentro draws inspiration from Antonio Franchino’s novel, depicting a family dynamic within a Milanese household. The film offers a satirical yet poignant look at generational conflict and cultural identity, capturing the complexities of familial relationships in a rapidly changing society. The director’s approach blends comedy with sharp social critique, aligning with the festival’s tradition of supporting bold and unconventional narratives. Finally, Paolo Strippoli’s L’estranea presents a subtle exploration of maternal mystery and psychological tension. The film centers on a mother who gradually reveals unsettling truths to her daughter, challenging perceptions of family history and self-identity. With minimal use of special effects, the film relies on atmospheric tension and character-driven storytelling to evoke a sense of unease, reinforcing the notion that horror often resides in everyday life. As the festival unfolds, the presence of international stars such as George Clooney and the anticipated performance by Oasis adds to the cultural significance of the event. The Venice Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for diverse voices, fostering dialogue around global cinema and its evolving role in shaping public discourse.