Alice Rohrwacher's La Chimera (2023) is a dreamlike excavation of memory, grief, and the weight of history. Set in 1980s Tuscany, it follows Arthur (Josh O'Connor), a disheveled British archaeologist with a supernatural gift: he can "divine" the locations of ancient Etruscan tombs using a dowsing rod. The Quest for the Impossible

Rohrwacher weaves a rich tapestry of mythological influences, referencing figures like Orpheus and Ariadne to explore how we bear the weight of the past while living in the present. Artistic Vision and Style

In the realm of mythology, few creatures have captivated the imagination of people as much as La Chimera, a monstrous being from ancient Greek legend. The Chimera, also known as La Chimera in Italian, was a hybrid creature composed of the physical features of multiple animals, making it a formidable and fascinating subject of study.

Rating: ★★★★½ Available in select theaters and on digital platforms. Watch it on the largest screen you can find. Bring someone you’ve lost.

Perhaps the Chimera is not a monster to be slain, but a part of us—the part that insists there is something else beneath the surface. Whether you come to La Chimera for Josh O’Connor’s raw performance, the breathtaking cinematography, or the haunting score by Apparat, you will leave with dirt under your fingernails and a tear in your eye.

"Layers of Meaning, Layers of Earth: Necro-Eco-Mythical Perspectives and Traces of the Past in Alice Rohrwacher's 'La Chimera'": This recent scholarly paper (March 2026) provides a deep dive into the film’s "necro-eco-mythical" themes, examining how the movie handles the literal and spiritual layers of Italian history.

The film beautifully balances two opposing forces, often through the women in Arthur’s life:

Reception: Critics have praised its "playful, peculiar grace" and its critique of patriarchy and machismo. It was featured as one of the Best Movies of 2024 by Screen Slate. 2. The Historical Novel by Sebastiano Vassalli

La Chimera was discovered in 2007 by a team of archaeologists led by Dr. Marco Milletti, in the town of Populonia, near the city of Livorno. The site was unearthed after a long search, and its excavation has provided a treasure trove of artifacts and insights into the lives of the Etruscans.