Paola Cortellesi shines as La Befana in a family comedy blending tradition and modernity

A wildly successful Christmastime film, earning over $8 million at the box office when it premiered in 2018, "La befana vien di notte" (“The Legend of the Christmas Witch”) is a wholesome holiday comedy that the whole family can watch.

Directed by Michele Soavi, the film stars two of Italy's most diverse contemporary actors, Paola Cortellesi and Stefano Fresi, as gift-giving foes. Paola (Cortellesi) is a grammar schoolteacher by day, but at night, she turns into La Befana, the Christmas witch, a mystical being who brings gifts to the good kids and coal to the naughty ones.

On one of her Befana nights, she was attacked by a dog that tore her Befana gift list. When she returned home from a night of riding on her broomstick, delivering gifts to children all over the world, she realized that she had forgotten one child. When she discovered the torn-up list, she figured out who the child was, got back on her broom, and headed straight to his house. Having arrived late, the boy, Johnny, had already woken up to an empty stocking.

Fast forward 25 years, and that boy, Mr. Johnny (Fresi), now a grown-up toymaker in his own right, has dedicated his life to seeking revenge for that Befana morning that he says ruined his life. He gets his chance after a teenager mistakenly records La Befana on his phone. When the teen realized that he captured a witch flying through the night sky on her broom, he uploads the video to social media, and it goes viral. Mr. Johnny figures out her location and goes there with his entourage of misfits to kidnap her and bring her back to his toy factory. There, he imprisons her and threatens six of her students, who are on a mission to save her, until Paola tells him where she keeps all the kids' letters so that he can take her place, swearing that he will never disappoint a child the way that she disappointed him.

It's worth noting that the English title was translated from Italian and that this film is not an adaptation of the American children's book by the same title by Aubrey Plaza and Dan Murphy.

Written by the prolific screenwriter Nicola Guaglianone, Soave took on the film after working mainly in the drama genre, seeing the film was the opportunity for him to explore comedy. He set out to combine realism with the fantastical, utilizing digital effects to give it a sense of fantasy.

"I reworked the myth of the Befana, played with brilliance by Paola Cortellesi, an unconventional character, a female superheroine who marries elements of tradition in a more modern guise," said Soave in a promotional statement to Cinecittà. "She's a woman who, despite wearing rags, takes care of herself, sometimes even appearing seductive and fascinating."

Soave certainly succeeded in his quest to combine elements of realism and fantasy. The film has just the right number of effects to enhance the characters' actions while making the story seem believable. Guaglianone's clever and creative screenplay also deserves credit for maintaining a balance of realism and fantasy with suspenseful scenes and engaging dialogue among the students, whether they are working through a logistical challenge in their mission to save Paola or talking about a first kiss. There is a strong sense of community and friendship in the film that is appreciated, particularly during the holiday season.

In 2021, director Paola Randi made a prequel to the film starring Monica Bellucci. Set in the 18th century, Paola (Zoe Massenti), who is always getting into mischief, ends up thwarting the plans of the corrupt Baron De Michelis (Fabio De Luigi), a power-hungry Quasimodo who detests witches. Dolores (Bellucci), a good witch who looks after children, saves Paola's life in return for her pledge that she will become La Befana and be forever young.

Not only is the film entertaining and a fun, lighthearted watch during the hectic holiday season, but it also offers insight into a holiday that Americans are often curious about. It's a wonderful, whimsical children's film that the whole family can enjoy.

"The Legend of the Christmas Witch" is available on several streaming platforms, including Tubi, where it is free of charge. Click here to watch the prequel on Max.

- Written by Jeannine Guilyard for the December issue of Fra Noi Magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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