In his feature debut A Classic Horror Story (2021), director Paolo Strippoli reveled in the conventions of the horror genre, crafting a bloody spectacle. Now, he leads us into the rural heart of Italy. Sergio, a teacher bearing scars from the past, transfers to the tranquil village of Remis. The seemingly perfect setting for a new start, however, hides a stunning secret. Anyone who hugs Matteo, a 15-year-old boy, finds peace of mind. But as the community grows increasingly dependent on the boy, Sergio strives to save him. Much like Carrie (1976) and Let the Right One In (2008), the film explores the vulnerability and duality of a wounded protagonist. However, it reimagines these themes through an Italian horror lens, amplifying the suspense with supernatural elements. Blending folk horror and psychological thriller with precision, Strippoli walks a fine line between a community gripped by mass hysteria and a boy spiraling out of control. The commotion surrounding the mysterious boy invites us to reflect on what makes us human—namely, the meaning of sorrow. (JUN Jonghyuk)