Adapted from the novel by American author Stephen Amidon, Paolo Virzì’s stylish (if somewhat empty) drama is Italy’s official submission for next year’s best foreign language film Oscar. Looking at an unfolding accident from several distinct perspectives, the twisty narrative charts the complex interactions between a wealthy banking dynasty, a cash-strapped, middle-class family, a troubled young man and an unhappy troupe of warring artistes, all of whose fortunes are variously intertwined by unwise investments – both personal and financial.

It’s an elegant Chinese puzzle of a movie, deftly constructed by director Virzì, and boosted by an array of strong performances. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, in particular, is terrific as the wealthy but miserable wife who pours her energies into a crumbling theatre as fragile as her own marriage. The recipient of numerous awards in Italy, this is a handsomely mounted affair, although I wouldn’t bank on it repeating its garlanded domestic success in America.