Netflix’s phenomenon “The Tearsmith” has now become the number one movie on the platform worldwide, only three days after its release, according to FlixPatrol. This forbidden enemies-to-lovers tale has captivated fans all over the world, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down for now.
The film is an adaptation of Italian writer Erin Doom’s best-selling novel of the same name, which was originally published in 2021. The novel has become a huge success among young fans, especially on TikTok. And the movie does its best to appeal to the Gen-Z audience, as The Tearssmith’s soundtrack is filled with artists such as Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo.
While it hasn’t been confirmed if “The Tearsmith” will have a sequel, the young cast, including Simone Baldasseroni and Caterina Ferioli, who play the main characters, Rigel and Nica, will surely become huge stars outside of Italy.
‘The Tearsmith,’ a dark romance for Gen-Z
“The Tearsmith,” directed by Alessandro Genovesi, follows the story of Nica and Rigel two orphaned teenagers who live in the to the oppressive Sunnycreek Orphanage, nicknamed “Grave.” While they don’t get along, they both are adopted together into the same family… And they will discover they have strong feelings for each other.
Baldasseroni, who is known for his work as a musician under the name Biondo, plays Rigel. The 25-year-old has also acted in other Italian titles such as “Crazy for Football” y “L’amor fuggente”. Meanwhile, Ferioli, 21, is still building her career, but has other credits such as the series “Belcanto.”
What are critics saying about the film?
While the movie has been a total success among viewers, critics haven’t been exactly thrilled by the film. Johnny Loftus of Decider wrote that it was “possible to root” for the main couple, but the “setting as it’s portrayed in the film took us way, way out of the immediate story, and especially impedes the romance.”
Meanwhile, Aurora Amidon of Paste called the film “predictable” but “entertaining in its own wild and unexpected ways.” She also praised the performance of the leading pair. On the other hand, Marianna Ciarlante of Today said the movie was a “disappointment,” as well as a “a strange mix of clichés,” such as toxic love.