Hay Fever (2010)
An Italian romance about misfits, a failing vintage shop, and one young woman whose arrival quietly changes everything.
Hay Fever - Movie Information
- Original Title: Febbre da fieno
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Laura Luchetti
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 13, 2010 (United States), January 28, 2011 (Italy - T)
- Production Companies: DAP Italy, Donkadillo, Massimiliano Di Lodovico
- Production Countries: Italy
Hay Fever - Plot
A group of Roman misfits spend the fall minding a vintage shop called Twinkled, a business that is failing in every way but in spirit. The owner strives to keep the store afloat, even as his wife insists that he sell the place and get a real job. One day a beautiful young woman named Camilla takes a job cleaning the store, and her presence has a profound effect on the lives of everyone, including Stefano, the well-meaning but unorganized shopkeeper, and Gigio, Camilla's loving younger brother who has Down's syndrome.
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Hay Fever - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Laura Luchetti
Main Cast
- Andrea Bosca
- Diane Fleri
- Giulia Michelini
- Giuseppe Gandini
- Cecilia Cinardi
- Camilla Filippi
- Pietro Ragusa
- Mauro Ursella
- Marco Todisco
- Angela Goodwin
Writers
- Laura Luchetti
Hay Fever - FAQs
What is Hay Fever about?
Hay Fever follows a ragtag group of Roman misfits running a struggling vintage shop called Twinkled. When a warm and captivating young woman named Camilla joins as a cleaner, her presence quietly reshapes the lives of everyone around her, including the well-meaning shopkeeper Stefano and Camilla's younger brother Gigio, who has Down's syndrome.
Does Hay Fever have a happy ending?
Hay Fever leans into bittersweet territory rather than a tidy resolution. The film is more interested in the quiet emotional shifts Camilla sparks in those around her than in delivering a conventional romantic payoff, leaving viewers with a warm but reflective feeling by the final scene.
Who are the main actors in Hay Fever?
The cast is led by Andrea Bosca as Matteo, Diane Fleri as Camilla, and Giulia Michelini as Franki. Mauro Ursella delivers a notably touching performance as Gigio, Camilla's younger brother with Down's syndrome, while Giuseppe Gandini, Cecilia Cinardi, and Camilla Filippi round out the ensemble.
What makes the vintage shop setting so central to the story?
The shop Twinkled functions almost as a character in its own right — a place that's financially failing yet spiritually alive. It becomes a refuge for people who don't quite fit elsewhere, making it the perfect backdrop for Camilla's arrival to ripple through the group's dynamics and stir up unspoken feelings.
Who directed Hay Fever?
Hay Fever was directed by Laura Luchetti, who also wrote the screenplay. It stands as one of her early feature works, showcasing a gentle, character-driven style that favors emotional nuance over dramatic spectacle. Luchetti has continued to develop her voice in Italian cinema in the years since.
How is Down's syndrome portrayed in Hay Fever?
The character of Gigio, played by Mauro Ursella, is portrayed with warmth and dignity rather than as a plot device. His bond with his sister Camilla is one of the film's emotional anchors, and the story treats his presence as a natural, loving part of the ensemble rather than something to be explained or overcome.
What are similar movies to Hay Fever?
If Hay Fever's gentle, ensemble-driven romance appeals to you, consider exploring Paris Je T'aime (2006) for its mosaic of tender human connections, or Take Care (2014) for its warm character dynamics. My Brilliant Career (1979) and Disappearing Acts (2000) also offer emotionally rich stories centered on women navigating love and identity.
When was Hay Fever released?
Hay Fever first screened in the United States on November 13, 2010, followed by its Italian theatrical release on January 28, 2011. The film was produced in Italy and is spoken entirely in Italian, reflecting its deeply Roman setting and sensibility.
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