The film opens with faded lighting and as it progresses is captured like an artistic archive.  La Chimera glows with glimpses into a world of aspirational wonders. The Italian director Alice Rohrwacher’s film is both an empathetic and vibrant experience. Its set in Italy in the 1980s with beautiful landscapes serving as part of the film’s foundation. La Chimera takes a wholistic approach with its narrative involving an extensive search for artifacts through uncharted territory.

The film focuses on Arthur, played by Josh O’Connor, a tomb raider, referred to as the Tombarol. Arthur’s job is digging and searching for archeological artifacts that are in tombs in various places in Italy. His old friend Flora, played by Isabella Rosellini,is elderly and suffers with some health issues. Flora’s assistant is Italia, played by Carol Duarte, who is learning to sing and but is tone deaf. Arthur has a friend Pirro played by Vincenzo Nemolato who is his partner-in-crime in their search for artifacts that they’re hoping will be profitable. Arthus, however, is frustrated that his earnings aren’t what he anticipates given his time and devotion to his job. He reports his finding to Spartaco, played by Alba Rohwacher, who handles the public relations, and determines the value of what Arthur and his team find.

The film’s direction is poetic in portraying Arthur’s point of view. He takes his artifacts seriously and has skills and knowledge to figure out where to search. Arthur is also suffering from a loss, and the artifacts keep him occupied. Unfortunately, Arthur is under-appreciated, and many see his research as a gimmick or a waste of time. His friends Flora, Italia, and Pirro help inspire him to continue his search.

La Chimera is a journey where interesting dynamics lead to something more life changing. The forests and landscapes fuel the invigoration in La Chimera. Arthur is trying to find artifacts, Italia is dealing with being a servant, and Flora is struggling with health issues. Whatever is found in the depths of Arthur’s research could change the lives of those around him. Hatred flows through the community of the people that despise Arthur’s work. Arthur is not a bad person, but he is viewed by some as a con artist. Arthur’s persistence in La Chimera makes the movie lively for its audience.

The writing and lighting combine to send a message—the bigger the artifacts, the greater the chances of a promising livelihood. There are many pleasing discoveries in the story and the revelations go deep in La Chimera. There is a hidden irony in the revelation that the hard work will not benefit everyone. While there is a notion in the film that the tasks at hand are detrimental, in the end persistence leads to finding somethingmore rewarding. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for La Chimera.