the film is so gripping, so mounting in its suspense that even as you struggle to keep together all its intertwining stories, you can't look away.

The film is further undone by an overwrought ending and toneless conclusion that proves too soft to energize the movie's implied though underdeveloped social critique.

Valeria Bruni Tedeschi contributes an affecting performance as the rich boy's spiritually bereft mother, whose self-worth has been smothered by luxury.

Virzi's compellingly bleak analysis attempts to humanise the carnage of capitalism and, though prone to melodrama, will make you consider the sad fact that in some ways we all boil down to the sum of our financial worth.