By Crystal Justine
Luca Guadagnino’s I AM LOVE is making its return with a UK digital re-release this Monday, April 14th. Long before Call Me By Your Name stirred hearts, Challengers got hearts racing, and his latest film Queer sparked conversation, Guadagnino delivered I AM LOVE— a film that beautifully cemented his prowess for intimate storytelling, interesting characters, and visual splendor. Now, in this re-release, viewers get to rediscover the brilliance of Guadagnino’s early genius, newly accessible to modern audiences.
At the center of the story is the chameleon and Academy Award-winning actress Tilda Swinton, delivering yet another wonderfully nuanced performance. Swinton transforms into Emma, a simple Russian woman that gracefully establishes herself into the grandeur of Italy’s industrial elite. On the surface, Emma’s life seems enviable, as she’s a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a pillar of her influential family. Yet beneath the veneer of wealth and respectability lies a woman quietly yearning for something more profound, something more alive.
That longing soon finds its answer in the form of Antonio (Edoardo Gabbriellini), a gifted young chef and a close friend of Emma’s son, Edoardo (Flavio Parenti). As their forbidden romance unfolds, I AM LOVE dives headfirst into themes of passion, liberation, and the cost of chasing desire in a world bound by duty and appearances.
Visually, the film is a feast. From the sun-soaked Italian settings to the meticulous attention to costume design that subtly reflects the characters’ class divisions and inner conflicts, the film feels like a carefully curated painting. Guadagnino’s direction is expectedly elegant, at times intoxicating in its beauty, and the film’s luxurious aesthetic draws you deep into its atmospheric embrace. Fans of his later works will immediately recognize his cinematic language, which he continues refining throughout his career.
The film also revels in its quiet power. Rather than relying on heavy dialogue, I AM LOVE leans into the expressiveness of its cast, particularly Swinton, who commands the screen with every glance, breath, and movement. Her portrayal of Emma is mesmerizing, a delicate balance of restraint and vulnerability. It’s no small feat that Swinton delivers her performance in both Italian and some Russian, adding further depth and authenticity to her character’s journey.
While the film occasionally lingers a little too long on its visual indulgences where certain scenes stretch for extended beats, perhaps prioritizing aesthetic over momentum, these moments are part of what makes Guadagnino’s filmmaking so distinctive. It’s a sensory experience, encouraging viewers to soak in the atmosphere rather than rush towards the conclusion.
At its heart, I AM LOVE is more than just a story of romance and rebellion. It’s a poignant exploration of personal awakening, family expectations, and the intoxicating pull of forbidden love. It’s about a woman finding herself amidst the gilded cage of privilege, which is a theme that remains as relevant today as it was in 2009.
For those who appreciate Guadagnino’s lush directorial style or are simply drawn to stories that balance elegance with emotion, I AM LOVE is an essential watch. With its re-release, audiences old and new will have the chance to rediscover a film that, despite its minor flaws, remains a stunning and powerful meditation on desire and self-liberation.
Mark your calendars for Monday, April 14th, and let I AM LOVE sweep you away on an Italian getaway.
