Défense d’aimer

Bruce arrives in Rome for a oneyear stay at the Villa Medici. His brother, a writer, is dead. His girlfriend is leaving him. As the days pass, he finds himself cut off from the outside world and his usual bearings as he becomes acquainted with the imposing setting of the magnificent, solemn palace and its disturbing grounds. Just like the other, rather taciturn residents. He meets Matteo (Andrea Necci), a young Roman trainee with the Villa’s administrative department. Matteo gradually worms his way into Bruce’s life. He turns up at his apartment without warning; he shows him the city and its churches, its paintings, fountains and marble statues. Matteo hangs around Bruce, always lurking nearby. Unsettled and disturbed by facets of Matteo’s character that resemble his brother’s, Bruce allows himself to be drawn into an unusual and poorly defined relationship, a cruel initiation made up of great expectations and erotic games. Then Aston (Echo Danon), a writer in residence fascinated by serial killers, turns up. When Bruce tries to turn back, it’s too late. Everything overwhelms him and he doesn’t know where to turn, swept away by his own madness, needs and voids.