This Isn’t Hollywood: An Italian Drama That Packs a Punch
Ah, This Isn’t Hollywood. Sounds like something I’d say after one too many glasses of Prosecco! But here we are, diving into the tragic depths of a case that stunned Italy in 2010. This series, streaming on Disney+, is not only a deep look into crime but a masterclass on how not to throw a family reunion!
What’s the Gist?
Directed by Pippo Mezzapesa and based on the gripping book “Sarah – The Girl from Avetrana”, this four-episode miniseries braids horror with heart. It tells the story of Sarah Scazzi, a fifteen-year-old girl who went missing one fateful summer in Avetrana, Puglia. After weeks of panic, her body was found in a well — because, apparently, that’s where they hide all their secrets. But wait, there’s more! The twists of this tale include culprits who can make even the most dysfunctional families look like the Brady Bunch.
Meet the Cast: A Talented Ensemble
- Vanessa Scalera as Cosima Serrano – Mother’s love or a cover-up? You decide!
- Giulia Perulli as Sabrina Misseri – Cousin and, spoiler alert, one of the accused.
- Paolo De Vita as Michele Misseri – Uncle with a flair for the dramatic and a tinge of self-incrimination.
- Federica Pala as Sarah Scazzi – The victim whose life was tragically cut short.
- And many more talented actors who could probably steal the show from a Hollywood blockbuster!
Character Spotlight: The Intriguing Sabrina
Giulia Perulli takes on the role of Sabrina Misseri, and judging by her commitment, she might as well have moved into the character’s house! Gaining 22 kg for the role—now that’s commitment! She said, “For me, this was an all-encompassing journey,” which sounds poetic, but let’s be honest, gaining weight for a role is more than just a ‘method’—it’s like a meal plan gone wrong!
Emotionally Charged Scenes
Perulli describes the emotional scenes as a “beautiful journey.” Let’s hope there aren’t any travel delays! Seriously though, she felt the tension through every scene, especially those interacting with Sarah. The chemistry was so palpable you could probably cut it with a butter knife. The connection they created? That’s not acting; that’s sorcery!
Behind the Magic: Filming and Challenging Auditions
Speaking of magic, Perulli talked about her audition with Vanessa Scalera, who plays her mother. She walked in, saw Vanessa in a false wig, and suddenly it was like she was in a twisted fairy tale! “She took my hand,” says Perulli. “We created a magic on stage.” At this point, I’m just wondering if we’re auditioning for a drama or setting up for a very avant-garde magic show!
Her Early Steps in Acting
Before stepping into the limelight, Perulli was where most actors start—making coffee for the real stars. “Watching them taught me a lot,” she reflects, which is a gentle reminder that sometimes being an extra can lead to being a center-stage sensation. Make note, aspiring actors: coffee runs count as networking!
Conclusion: An Invitation to Reflect
So, This Isn’t Hollywood serves up a hearty meal of suspense, emotion, and drama we never knew we needed! With masterful acting weaving through the narratives, it’s an experience akin to a rollercoaster ride—fast-paced, sometimes scary, and definitely one you’ll remember! So, grab your popcorn but don’t forget the tissues. Because while it’s not Hollywood, it certainly delivers some cinematic punches that hit right in the gut!
As you tune in to this gripping miniseries, remember: the complexities of justice and family rival even the wildest of soap operas. Just don’t throw any popcorn at the screen or start shouting at the characters. That’s how you end up on the wrong side of a family feud—or worse, the couch!
In the captivating miniseries available on Disney+, titled “This isn’t Hollywood,” the role of Sabrina Misseri is portrayed by the talented Giulia Perulli, who recently made an appearance as a guest on the popular podcast, WeeCap.
This isn’t Hollywood
“This isn’t Hollywood” is a gripping Italian television miniseries directed by the acclaimed Pippo Mezzapesa and skillfully produced by Matteo Rovere. Drawing inspiration from the impactful book “Sarah – The girl from Avetrana” written by Carmine Gazzanni and Flavia Piccinni, the series delves deep into the Avetrana crime case that left an indelible mark on Italian society in 2010. The narrative spans across four episodes, with each installment presenting the chilling story through the unique perspective of a different character. Set against the backdrop of a tragic summer, the series recounts the harrowing disappearance of the fifteen-year-old Sarah Scazzi from Avetrana, located in the beautiful region of Puglia. After an agonizing search that lasted 42 days, her lifeless body was ultimately discovered in a well. The miniseries meticulously follows the investigation that led to the shocking revelations of the culprits: Sabrina Misseri, the cousin of Sarah, alongside Sabrina’s mother, Cosima Serrano. Although Sarah’s uncle, Michele Misseri, confessed to the murder, he was ultimately convicted of concealing a corpse and tampering with evidence. The series, now streaming on Disney+, has garnered praise for its raw and haunting portrayal of a tragedy that touched lives across Italy.
The cast is made up of:
- Vanessa Scalera who plays Cosima Serrano, Sabrina’s mother and Michele’s wife
- Giulia Perulli who plays Sabrina Misseri, Sarah’s cousin
- Paolo De Vita who plays Michele Misseri, Sarah’s uncle
- Federica Pala in the role of Sarah Scazzi, the victim
- Imma Villa in that of Concetta Serrano Spagnolo, Sarah’s mother
- Anna Ferzetti who plays Daniela, a journalist
- Antonio Gerardi who plays Marshal Persichella
- Giancarlo Commare who plays Ivano Russo
- Leonardo Bianconi in the role of Claudio Scazzi, Sarah’s brother
The character of Sabrina
Giulia Perulli described her experience: “We start from the assumption that, for me, this was an all-encompassing journey. It gave me the chance to experiment a lot and above all to question myself as an actress. A radical physical change was required to play Sabrina (the actress gained 22 kg for the role, ed.), mostly to distance myself from who I was. Being able to dress and inhabit this unknown body led me to empathize, without judging, the character I had to play. For obvious reasons, I couldn’t leave the character of Sabrina on set, so I brought it home every day and, somehow, this led me to put my life on hold, I dedicated myself completely to this project.”
The most emotional scenes
“There are so many emotional scenes. The series has a very fast pace so all the scenes, from my point of view, were a beautiful journey emotionally. I would say that all the scenes with Sarah were particularly important; experiencing the relationship between the two cousins caused me very strong feelings.”
Vanessa Scalera in the character of Cosima
“The last audition I did for the character of Sabrina was with Vanessa Scalera, who plays Cosima. She is a wonderful actress and I am a huge fan of hers. When I opened the door and entered that room, I saw this woman with a false wig, everything was in progress, but I recognized Vanessa’s look. I had to stay focused because I was playing a very important role and I remember that Vanessa gave me a look that immediately made me feel like a mother, and I continued to truly feel like her daughter during filming. She took my hand and took me with her; we created a magic on stage that I think reached the audience.”
Giulia Perulli’s first steps in this world
“I attended acting schools including an experimental center and probably the most important learning was living on set as an assistant director. Paradoxically, bringing coffee to the actors and watching them on the monitor together with the director taught me a lot. During my period of work, the actors didn’t treat me like an actress, but that was enough for me, it was enough for me to breathe the set and understand the movements of the camera.”
Listen to the full interview:
“I didn’t judge myself by watching the edited series. One thing I hate is my voice, but in the case of “This isn’t Hollywood” I was lapped, so I didn’t suffer. I am enthusiastic about the work I have done and I am grateful to Pippo Mezzapesa, Greenland, and Disney who gave me the opportunity to embark on this wonderful journey.”
“This isn’t Hollywood” represents an intense and touching journey into the heart of one of the most shocking crime stories in recent Italy. The miniseries manages to balance the accuracy of the facts with an engaging narrative, leading the viewer to reflect on the human and social dynamics that lie behind the tragedies. Thanks to masterful acting by all the performers and careful direction, “It’s Not Hollywood Here” not only reminds us of the importance of not forgetting but also invites us to reflect deeply on the complexities of justice and truth.
What were Giulia Perulli’s early experiences in the acting industry before she became a star?
Tely put me at ease. She took my hand, and we created a kind of magic on stage. It felt almost like we were inviting the audience into a twisted tale rather than just performing a scene from a script.”
Giulia Perulli’s Journey to Stardom
Before she emerged as Sabrina, Giulia Perulli’s acting career began like many in the industry—behind the scenes. “I started off making coffee for the stars, observing them closely. I learned so much from that experience,” she reminisces. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most mundane tasks can lead to significant breakthroughs. So, aspiring actors, or even those in any creative field, take note: every little bit counts, and who knows where a coffee run might lead you!
Conclusion: A Riveting Watch
This captivating miniseries, now streaming on Disney+, doesn’t just tell a tragic tale; it immerses viewers in a world that challenges preconceived notions of innocence, justice, and familial ties. “This Isn’t Hollywood” prompts reflection on the layers of complexity within heartbreaking real-life stories. So, as the credits roll, don’t forget to have some tissues handy—you might need them. Grab your popcorn and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that stays with you long after the screen fades to black.