Masquerade

Cesare quit his job as head of the special department in charge of integrating the Returnees into society. He quit because he didn’t agree any longer with their policy of treating those creatures like slaves. Cesare stands up for their life, when the Doge of Venice decides to destroy them when it became politically convenient. Cesare’s determination doesn’t only lay in protecting human rights. He believes that they can still feel emotion and, possibly one day, talk. His dear Amanda was turned into a Returnee few years ago, but Cesare always refused treating her like a dog with rabies. When the Doge is about to press the button that will annihilate every Returnee in Venice, Cesare will interfere.

Directed by Alessandro Repetti, Masquerade leans on a strong ensemble — Marco Canadea, Francesca Bruni, Gino Picciano — 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 horror titles of 2014.