The Special Need

The Special Need, released in 2013, is a deeply moving and candid documentary-style film that explores the powerful themes of friendship, personal growth, human connection, and the quest for sexual fulfillment. Directed by Carlo Zoratti, the film stars Enea Gabino, Alex Nazzi, and Zoratti himself, forming a trio of friends venturing across Europe.

Primarily narrated through the viewpoint of Enea, the documentary picks up an intimate and profound narrative, not usually found in mainstream cinema. Enea is a charming 29-year-old autistic man from Italy, trying to navigate the complexities of life and love like any other human being. His charisma, wit, and innocent demeanor add layers to the film's already engaging storytelling. Enea's idiosyncrasies and unique perspective on life remarkably offer a sense of demeanour and calmness that serve as the backbone of the film, lending depth to his character and making him highly relatable to the audience.

Carlo Zoratti, who also directs the film, plays himself, offering his unwavering support and camaraderie to Enea. Providing a stark contrast to Enea's introverted personality, Zoratti embodies the quintessential extroverted protagonist, introducing a sense of balance to the narrative's dynamics. Serving as the voice of reason and the driving force behind their journey, Zoratti becomes the catalyst allowing the exploration of uncharted territories, both physical and emotional.

Teaming up with Alex Nazzi, another central figure of the film, the trio embarks on an adventurous journey across several continental locations. As Enea's closest companions, Carlo and Alex take up the mission to help Enea realize his deepest and most personal aspiration - experiencing love and physical intimacy.

The film is not merely centered around Enea and his quest for sexual satisfaction but is a grand voyage of self-discovery and evolution for the three friends. The narrative gracefully transcends the struggles of one individual and cleverly extends its ethos to the whole group as interactions with diverse cultures and people lead to an understanding of life at various levels.

Other characters met along the journey are beautifully dishonest, struggling with their own dilemmas and insecurities. Their interactions with the protagonists offer a delightful richness to the narrative. Each conversation, each encounter, contributes to the transformation and growth of the three friends profoundly.

Their destinations include Europe's romantic capital - Paris, the jovial and hospitable city of Amsterdam, and finally, the intriguing city of Hamburg. Each city is exploited to its fullest picturesque beauty, combining the tapestry of various cultures and blending it intricately with the narration, culminating in a grand collage of panoramic shots, aesthetic beauty, and charming locales. The tour across these diverse landscapes and atmospheres also attributes a palpable texture and feel to the characters' transformations and growth, reflecting the ebbs and flows of their emotional states.

A rousing score seamlessly weaves together the emotions, dialogues, and visuals, further enhancing the viewer's immersive experience. The masterful blending of raw moments with meticulously improvised music makes for a riveting watch, ensuring an emotional roller-coaster ride that resonates with the viewer.

Above all, The Special Need is an introspective exploration of human sexuality from the poignant perspective of an individual tagged 'special' by society. It's an honest portrayal of one's innate desire for love and companionship, blurring the line between the so-called norms of regular and special individuals, and thinning the divide.

The film, while being a humanist documentary, cleverly intertwines elements of comedy and adventure, preventing it from becoming too grave or heavy on emotions. The Special Need achieves a delicate balance between entertainment and engagement, leaving with the audience a warm and tender afterglow in its wake.

With its entrailing storytelling, sincere performances, and a sublime blend of scenic beauty with a touching narrative, The Special Need offers a fresh and reflective take on the universally identifiable themes of friendship, curiosity, exploration, and, most importantly, the longing for love and intimacy. It's a journey that will make you introspect, laugh, empathize, and maybe shed a tear or two, but ultimately it will make you appreciate life, in all its complex beauty.