The Tearsmith

The Tearsmith (Italian: Fabbricante di lacrime) is a new Italian teen romance film directed by Alessandro Genovesi. This film, released on 4 April 2024 on Netflix, is based on the popular novel by Erin Doom, which became the best-selling book in Italy in 2022.

The story follows an eight-year-old girl named Nica, who loses her parents in a tragic car accident and is sent to the harsh Sunnycreek Orphanage. There, she forms a bond with a fellow orphan named Adeline. As years pass, Nica is adopted by Anna and Norman Milligan. They also adopt a troubled teenager named Rigel, who becomes the favorite of the orphanage's headmistress, Margaret. Throughout the film, tensions rise as Rigel initially treats Nica coldly, revealing a dark past where he was the only child not abused by Margaret.

On their first day at school, Rigel gets into a fight, leading to a unique event called Garden Day, where students anonymously give roses to each other. Nica receives a black rose, representing a troubled love, but Rigel denies being the sender. After a classmate named Lionel asks Nica out, Rigel reacts violently, which leads to a moment of vulnerability between him and Nica.

As the plot unfolds, Nica learns about Rigel's painful past and his selfless act to protect her from punishment at the orphanage. Adeline visits Nica and urges her to testify against Margaret for her abusive practices, but Nica struggles to confront her traumatic history. Just as their relationship begins to deepen, Nica's future with Rigel is threatened by Lionel's jealousy and aggression.

During a school dance, Lionel's violent behavior peaks when he attempts to assault Nica, but Rigel intervenes. In a passionate moment, Nica and Rigel share a kiss and become intimate. Their love story takes a dangerous turn when Lionel tries to run them over, leading to a dramatic escape into a river. This incident leaves Rigel in a coma, while Nica is left to confront the aftermath.

As the story progresses, Nica finds herself in the hospital, faced with the consequences of their actions. While Rigel is in a coma, Margaret blames Nica for the situation. However, Nica eventually decides to testify against her, showing her growth and determination to overcome her past. The film concludes with a glimpse into their future, where Nica and Rigel build a happy life together, raising a daughter.

Featuring a talented cast, including Simone Baldasseroni as Rigel and Caterina Ferioli as Nica, the film combines themes of love, trauma, and resilience. It showcases a blend of emotional highs and lows, making it appealing to young adult audiences.

The film's music adds another layer to the storytelling, featuring popular songs that resonate with its themes. Following its release, The Tearsmith quickly became a hit, ranking as the number one movie on Netflix within just three days.

This film not only captures the essence of young love but also addresses deeper issues of abuse and healing, making it a poignant watch for audiences seeking both entertainment and meaning.