The Tearsmith (18+) - Review

Today, I watched something different from what I am used to and I am feeling really conflicted. I do not understand how this movie actually hit the top 10 spot in 89 countries (according to Netflix). It is a strong 4/10 for me and whilst it holds many real issues, it felt choppy and sloppy for most part.

The Tearsmith

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The Tearsmith is an Italian teen romance released on Netflix February 2024 based on the Novel of the same name by the author Erin Doom. This movie centers on two orphans adopted into the same home from the Sunnycreek Orphanage. It is the opposites attract kind of romance with what you would call an obsession. Something most young girls like to see these days (goodness! Am I getting old?). We get to see the movie from Nica’s (Caterina Ferioli) point of view. The loss of her parents followed by drastic changes she experienced led her from being the most loved to the least wanted.

What I saw

The movie started all right. There was the spark and the tension that just left you on the edge of your seat. I had moments where I hit the ‘rewind’ button because some scenes were that good. The ML, Rigel (Simone Baldasseroni), is the typical brooding and silent character always shrouded by a dark past. The actor made me look forward to the next scene, not because he was good looking, but because he acted the role so well that his eyes told a story when the cameras zoomed in enough to see them.

He was so immersed in his role and that spoke to me. I had my suspicions about Rigel’s adoption having to do with Nica’s destination and we see soon enough that it was the case. The chemistry between the two in the story was off the charts and has that forbidden touch to it that just makes it more tantalizing. I love these kind of characters in books but I think seeing those in real life just shattered my fantasy.

The Tearsmith, although romance, has a dark turn to it. The traumas that accompany young ones abused from early stages of their lives into adulthood. The Tearsmith covers the subject of fear and pain rather subtly. The caretaker of the orphanage can be described as the Pennywise of any vulnerable child. Even without throwing much detail into it, we get to learn that there is more than one way to inflict pain on a child. Sometimes, even love can be terribly toxic.

Off-track ‘cheesy’ end (Spoiler Alert!)

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However, this movie had a disappointing end. Maybe it is because I have seen so many detailed plots surrounding court cases and romance, but this felt rushed and undone. It was so unrealistic to think one can win in court with a ‘heartfelt’ speech. It caused pain to my brain and threw me off. Maybe I just don't do sappy romances anymore but I legit cried out when Nica ran out of the courtroom to the hospital where Rigel laid in a coma. Forgive me, but what happened to cabs and buses? I get that it was fiction and all but, it still felt too much. Was that necessary?

Another thing that really got to me was the inconsistencies of some actors in their roles. It felt like the actors portraying Miki and Billie (Nicky Passarella, Sveva Romana Candelleta) struggled to fit themselves in the shoe of queer romance. Now, I would understand Billie’s reaction to her best friend confessing love to her (even if it felt off and stiff), what I did not get was how Miki was so relaxed. It felt forced.

Worth watching?

In general, the whole thing felt rushed. Or is this what they call compact? I did not feel satisfied at all after watching. I think I will just stick to books for steamy romance. This is all my opinion though. I am sure many would disagree with me and that is all right. There is beauty in conflict after all. I will not bother watching this again. I do not get the hype at all. So no, I do not recommend it. Just stick with the book if you have read that. You would be disappointed.