Principessa

Among the many odd jobs Matilda, a provincial girl, takes on to make ends meet is playing the role of a princess in historical costume reenactments. But when she finds herself pregnant, her boyfriend Pietro refuses to take any responsibility. Matilda then decides to have an abortion, with the help and support of her friend Anna, a fashionable painter who sees her as a reflection of herself. And thanks to Anna, she also comes into contact with Andrea, a wealthy young man whose family boasts noble origins. As if by fate, the role she plays in the reenactments begins to come in handy in a new, far more engaging fiction.

Directed by Giorgio Arcelli Fontana, Principessa leans on a strong ensemble — Morena Salvino, Piera Degli Esposti, Michele Riondino — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2009.