Set in 1980 in Naples, The Hand Of God is the coming of age story of a teenager following a heartbreak. The story which also is a semi autobiography of Director Sorrentino is a heartwarming one. There are references of the Football Legend Diego Maradona(hence the name The Hand Of God following a controversial event) which add up to the surroundings. It is almost as if the Director was reliving his childhood through the streets of Naples. The screenplay unfolds in the most leisurely manner. You are introduced to our protagonist and his family members(some of them part of his extended family) who are fat shaming, crazy, vulnerable but more importantly closely knit together. This is the part that adds to the relatability. But it also allows the audience to decide on how much they want to invest in the drama. It is shown that the main protagonist is a loner and a fan of Football and Maradona with an ambition to be a film director. Growing up through the teens, we are all attracted to older women and this is shown aesthetically in a scene where he is sexually attracted to his aunt after seeing her naked. This is one screenplay which you should just allow it to flow without trying to make too much sense too soon.

The main tragedy is presented in the most subtle way which leads to a sort of a transformation of the protagonist. I happened to watch the 8 minute documentary(on Netflix) which showcases the film through the eyes of the director. There when questioned about the ending he said that people leave the city to escape from sadness. That is what our generation does as well. The film ends on an open note almost in a slice of life fashion that unfolds a new chapter in the life of the protagonist. This is a screenplay that grows on you long after the film is over!