The Goldsmith or “L’orafo” is a gripping horror-thriller by debuting director Vincenzo Ricchiuto. With its intriguing premise, the film takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride that lasts for a suspenseful 89 minutes.

At its heart, this 2022 Italian thriller relies on a seemingly straightforward plot– a group of young robbers attempting a heist on the home of an elderly couple, one of whom is a goldsmith. Yet, what sets this film apart is the intricate web of deception woven by the characters, ultimately driving the tension to a jaw-dropping climax.

Deception in characters plays a central role in the development of The Goldsmith. What initially appears as a straightforward crime thriller becomes a labyrinth of psychological horror, where the true nature of the characters comes to the forefront. As the story unfolds, the elderly couple’s roles are unveiled as not only potential victims but also cunning architects of their own survival.

As for the characters, there’s a lot happening for each of them. The goldsmith’s craft and his ability to manipulate the environment create a sinister and mystifying backdrop. The couple’s willingness to employ psychological tactics to torment their captors is where the film truly shines. Their deceitful nature may keep the audience perpetually on edge, and their transformation from perceived victims to calculated strategists adds layers of intrigue.

The robbers themselves are not immune to deceptive character development. Each one starts as a stereotype: the brash leader, the reluctant follower, and the tough one with a heart. However, Ricchiuto’s guidance as director and writer slowly erodes these stereotypes. The robbers are forced to adapt to the unforeseen circumstances, revealing hidden secrets. Their initial bravado turns into desperation, and we see them wrestle with fear and paranoia against each other.

The Goldsmith has an ability to maintain a lot of tension and a bit of unpredictability throughout. The movie skillfully visualizes a tale of cat-and-mouse with the meticulously designed trap and mind games against the robbers, pushing its boundaries as much as it’s willing to– it can’t be denied elders taking against robbers is a troupe, as much as the classic home-invasion theme is.

The setting of the hidden workshop mixed with all the literal symbols adding purpose to the use of each gadget becomes a character in itself, contributing to the movie’s claustrophobic and ominous atmosphere, and the growing doubt of the whys– the outcome is more chaotic than expected and it opens the door to the unknown.

The Goldsmith breaks through the home-invasion heist themes, propelled by a cast willing to give more than a simple breath to their characters in the most enthralling manner. As the characters’ deceptions are peeled away, the film builds to a climax that’s as shocking as it is memorable. It offers a deep exploration of the human psyche and the lengths individuals will go to when pushed to their limits. It’s a thrilling roller coaster that showcases the potential of the horror-thriller genre when executed with skill and subtlety.

8 OUT OF 10 EYES