Miss Italia Mustn’t Die Review: Pressures of Legacy, Fame, Sexism, and Changing Trends

Netflix’s newest Italian documentary shows the struggles of a woman who took up the weight of a legacy she wasn’t to be a part of. This Miss Italia Mustn’t Die review takes a look into this scandalous documentary that looks into the pressures of changing trends that reshape the world of pageants. As we see things through the eyes of Patrizia Mirigliani, and some contestants of the Miss Italia 2023 pageant, many topics of discussion arise from behind the scenes.

-No Spoilers-

Miss Italia Mustn’t Die Review

The documentary follows Patrizia Mirigliani, the daughter of Enzo Mirigliani who founded the historic pageant Miss Italia beauty contest. The documentary not only highlights her difficulties in maintaining the prestige of the beauty contest after her father’s death but also the struggles she has had to face as a woman. Furthermore, she also has to think about the future of the beauty contest that would eventually fall into the hands of her son.

The documentary begins with the story behind the Miss Italia beauty contest and how it faced a fall after the death of Patrizia’s father’s death. The film then moves into the hard work and behind-the-scenes pressure faced by Patrizia who needs to bring the contest back to the top. However, changing the rules according to the changing trends is no easy job, especially when in a room filled with old minds who are not ready for change.

The film cleverly follows these events, not just from her side but also through the point of view of those around her, and also some contestants taking part in the contest. While the film strictly focuses on the 2023 Miss Italia contest, you see many other elements coming into play from the previous contests. The pride held by those working for this contest is never changing, and while it isn’t always easy for the organisers, things continue to play out the way it was meant to be.

The word- change; is seen popping out more than ever in this particular film. Be it through Patrizia who wishes for better times to come her way, the contestant who wants to bring in a new era for how beauty is perceived, or the world that demands more out of this contest. This word is the basis of this particular film in many ways and will make its mark by the end of the film.

On the other hand, what I have loved about this film is the curiosity it forms around the return of the beauty contest and its return to television. The curiosity is slowly built in the background and soon becomes the main focus until the final chapter plays out for all. You can see the pages turn in this film, with shifting focuses, different viewpoints, and more.

Altogether, while the documentary holds a general interest, it isn’t something that will hold your interest for long because all you have is little details coming out from the mouths of pageant leaders. You will find it hard to relate and while there are some interesting streaks inside, it isn’t the best watch out there.

Summing Up

Miss Italia Mustn’t Die brings in an intriguing story of the pressures brought out by a dazzling legacy that needs to be upheld despite the challenges brought together by the world. It not only follows Patrizia’s struggles due to her gender and her falling name of Miss Italia but also her worries about what the future has in store for the same. The film is intriguing, well-made and follows the timeline while keeping us curious, but it isn’t for everyone.

Watch Miss Italia Mustn’t Die on Netflix.

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