The Chain

The Testa family is a well respected immigrant working class family. The patriarch, Tullio Testa, is a modest landscape contractor, anxious to impress his visiting brother from Italy with his success in the New World. Tullio and his brother have not spoken for over twenty years due to a dispute over land inheritance in Italy. To create the appearance of a man of leisure, Tullio turns the business over to his sons, putting Massimo, the younger, educated, favourite son in charge. Joe, who has worked alongside his father in the dirt, is shunned.

Directed by Vittorio Rossi, The Chain leans on a strong ensemble — Richard Zeppieri, Toni Ellwand, Vince Benvenuto — 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 drama titles of 2021.