𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑨𝒈𝒆

That Malicious Age (original title: Quella età maliziosa) is a 1975 Italian erotic drama directed by Silvio Amadio. The film is part of the broader wave of European softcore cinema from the 1970s, blending themes of desire, power, innocence, and obsession. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Italian coast, the film follows the psychological and emotional unraveling of its main characters through a tangled web of seduction and jealousy.

The story centers around Napoleone, a disillusioned artist (played by Nino Castelnuovo), who leaves his troubled marriage and life in the city to take a job as a gardener at a remote villa. The villa is home to a wealthy woman and her seductive teenage daughter, Paola, played by Gloria Guida. At first, Napoleone intends to live a quiet, uneventful life, but he soon finds himself caught in a dangerous emotional game. Paola, brimming with youthful flirtation and mystery, sets her sights on him, while her mother also shows signs of romantic interest. The power dynamic begins to shift as Napoleone is drawn deeper into a manipulative triangle.

The film transitions between erotic fantasy and psychological unease. Paola represents both temptation and confusion—her motivations remain ambiguous, and her behavior shifts rapidly between innocence and calculated seduction. Meanwhile, Napoleone is portrayed as a man torn between guilt, lust, and a desire for escape. As tensions mount, a local fisherman—who is mentally unstable and obsessed with Paola—adds another layer of volatility to the situation, ultimately driving the film toward a violent climax.

Visually, That Malicious Age is quite striking. The cinematography captures the lush beauty of the Mediterranean landscape, often contrasting the tranquility of nature with the emotional chaos of the characters. The film uses long, quiet sequences, often without dialogue, to reflect the psychological distance between the characters and their surroundings. The pacing is slow, meditative, and occasionally disjointed, mirroring the dreamlike—and at times, nightmarish—tone of the narrative.

The performances are mixed. Gloria Guida, known for her roles in Italian erotic cinema, gives one of her more nuanced portrayals here. She manages to convey both allure and emotional complexity, even if the script often reduces her to an object of desire. Castelnuovo delivers a subdued performance that works in parts but lacks the intensity needed to carry some of the film’s darker emotional turns.

Critically, the film has a divided legacy. Some view it as a moody, visually rich psychological drama that subtly critiques the fantasies it presents. Others see it as an unfocused and exploitative work, unable to reconcile its erotic ambition with a coherent story or meaningful commentary.

In conclusion, That Malicious Age is an atmospheric but uneven film that reflects both the allure and limitations of 1970s European erotic cinema. While it’s visually engaging and occasionally thought-provoking, its lack of narrative clarity and character development may leave some viewers unsatisfied. Still, for those interested in vintage European films that blur the line between art and sensuality, it remains an intriguing watch.