Sweets from a Stranger

Sweets from a Stranger

Sweets from a Stranger (Italian: Caramelle da uno sconosciuto) is a fascinating Italian thriller from 1987, directed by Franco Ferrini. Like many other Italian movies, this one integrates psychological and social elements of a particular time period. The story focuses on the lives of a group sex workers engaging in economic activities in a busy Italian city. They are living an ordinary life until a series of murders begin terrorizing the city. The killer is vague and anonymous, but his deadly reputation is well known. To the public he is terrifying and understably so because of the number of victims. To the police he is the Sweet Killer while children started calling him the Candyman. What distinguishes the plot is how the killers story seems unimaginable from the perspective of the four women victims who actively fight against being victimized.

Casting in the movie includes performers of very high caliber who contribute to the emotional richness of the tale. Barbara De Rossi takes the role of Lena, a woman who does not wish to be the leader but is strong and resilient as she attempts to save herself and her friends. Marina Suma then plays the role of Angela, who is caring and kind towards the members of the group. Athina Cenci excels in the role of the sarcastic Nadine and polish actress Mara Venier plays Stella, whose strong will motivates the group in the pursuit of justice. These women together break the glass ceiling and the preconceived notions attached to their vocation and tell a very powerful story of overcoming obstacles.

The plot, like that of Fritz Lang’s M, treats the fear people live with as well as the friendship and strong will that is birthed in desperate times. The director Franco Ferrini blends neo-noir and neo-realism together in his treatment in a way that is fully immersive. It is very powerful when combined with the shooting of the metropolis’s dark streets and dazzling nightlife. Each of these factors makes the film a hauntingly powerful experience.

Different from the giallo movies which inspired it because of the murders mystery within, Sweets from a Stranger is unique in its character driven storytelling. The film is an intricate piece of art which builds on the narrative of escaping a serial killer and grappling with social stigma, thus making the struggle of women multidimensional. It has layers which transcend the self limiting thriller genre.

Sweets from a Stranger is a work of art that reflects the complexity many seek in great cinema. To many it is still undiscovered, but the beauty of Italian cinema in the 1980’s is engraved in the boldness of this film along with the astonishing performances of the actors.

🎥 Trailer and Availability
Unfortunately, there isn’t a widely circulated trailer available, but the film can be explored through streaming platforms or physical media for those interested in unearthing this cinematic rarity.

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