The Life You Wanted Review: Directed and written by Ivan Cotroneo along with Monica Rametta, the Italian drama series La vita che volevi stars Vittoria Schisano as Gloria, Pina Turco as Marina, Giuseppe Zeno as Sergio, Nicola Bello as Andrea, Bellarch as Eva, Bianca Nappi as Ispettore d’Auria, Alessio Lapice as Pietro, and others. The Netflix show consists of 6 episodes and has a runtime of 45 minutes.
Watch The Life You Wanted Trailer Below
The Life You Wanted Plot
The story revolves around Gloria, a transgender woman who has embarked on a new life in Lecce after transitioning from male to female. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her old friend Marina reappears, bringing with her a flood of secrets and realities that Gloria must confront.
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The Life You Wanted Review
This series will take us on an emotional rollercoaster, skilfully weaving a tale of love, a transgender woman, and a family grappling with pain, resilience, and ultimately, redemption. It may be a traditional soap opera, but it stands out with its rich tapestry of grudges, resentments, and affairs, as characters confront each other in their search for the truth. The show’s intrigue is heightened by its lead character, a transgender woman who challenges conventional norms and pushes boundaries.
At its core, the series delves into the profound impact of Gloria’s past and her journey of self-transformation. Accepting her past while navigating the complexities of the present is no easy feat for her, yet she continuously demonstrates remarkable strength. Gloria’s compelling character is brought to life with depth and authenticity by the talented lead actress, offering viewers an unforgettable portrayal.
The narrative is gripping from the very start, offering a poignant glimpse into Gloria’s life as she finally achieves the happiness and success, she always desired. Her journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance of reality, complicated by the reappearance of her old friend. This friend, with whom Gloria had an affair twenty years ago when she was a man, returns with her child, adding complexity to Gloria’s life. Pina Turco masterfully brings Marina’s character to life, imbuing her with unique strengths and vulnerabilities. Turco’s portrayal weaves a rich tapestry of characters that form the heart and soul of this compelling series.
What really made me love this show was how Gloria’s character evolved. At the start, she only cared about herself due to the hardships she faced in the past. However, over time, she became one of the most caring people towards Marina and her children. The best part was how her relationship with Marina’s son changed—it was beautiful. This series has done an impeccable job of not making us feel that it is overdone or trying too hard to depict trans life or the life of a woman. The performances of all the actors stood out well, showing us various facets through their expressions.
Yes, sometimes it did feel like the narrative became excessively convoluted. As the storylines progressed, they occasionally veered into overbroad territories, introducing plot twists that were not only complex but also felt somewhat forced. During these moments, the characters’ reactions tended to be overly dramatic and disproportionate to the situations at hand. This sporadic melodrama detracted from the story’s coherence and emotional impact, making it challenging at times for the audience to connect with the characters’ experiences and motivations. However, this was not always the case, as there were still many instances where the plot and character reactions felt well-balanced and engaging.
The Life You Wanted Review: Final Thoughts
This series captivates with its compelling narrative, instilling a sense of anticipation and fervent hope for Gloria’s well-deserved happy ending. Led by a remarkable performance from the lead actress and complemented by an ensemble cast of immense talent, the series distinguishes itself through its profound exploration of themes such as love, identity, and familial ties. It expertly interweaves a rich tapestry of human experiences, navigating through realms of pain, resilience, and eventual redemption.
This series will leave an indelible mark on its audience, particularly those with an open-minded perspective. Its poignant message resonates deeply, underscoring the enduring strength of love. It stands as a poignant and unforgettable testament, challenging societal norms and celebrating the intricate nuances of life and personal growth.
The Life You Wanted is now streaming on Netflix.
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I loved it!!!! Watch it several times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!