The Embalmer

Play trailer

The Embalmer

2003,

1h 41m,

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

81%

31 Reviews

Tomatometer

70%

500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

Peppino (Ernesto Mahieux) is a skilled but lonely taxidermist until he crosses paths with Valerio (Valerio Foglia Manzillo), a handsome waiter in search of a better job. Peppino is strangely attracted to the charismatic young man and offers him a cushy position as his apprentice. To curry favor with his pretty-boy aide, Peppino lavishes him with gifts. But when Valerio meets the beautiful Deborah (Elisabetta Rocchetti), a twisted love triangle evolves that can only spell disaster.

Critics Consensus

Intriguingly creepy and unsettling.

Read Critics Reviews

Gary Dowell

Dallas Morning News

Dec 11, 2003

B-

In spite of some stiltedness, The Embalmer is an oft-intriguing examination of unquenched desire and the power of beauty.

Go to Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Nov 14, 2003

3/4

Masterful at concealing its true nature and surprising us with the turns of the story.

Go to Full Review

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

Nov 13, 2003

3/4

The movie, a keen look at the way passion unravels and obsession destroys, creates a black mood, a sense of truth and an enduring chill that stay with you.

Go to Full Review

Pamela Troy

culturevulture.net

May 22, 2004

A twisted and fascinating tale, with a climax that's as logical as it is unexpected

Go to Full Review

Kent Turner

Film-Forward.com

Apr 19, 2004

2.75/5

[Actor Ernesto] Mahieux adds layers of gentleness and false bravado in what could have been a stereotypical role.

Go to Full Review

Frank Swietek

One Guy's Opinion

Dec 29, 2003

C+

Despite its virtues, the picture comes across rather like something that has itself been disinterred from the fairly remote past.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Han M

May 19, 2018

Le atmosfere di Garrone mi fanno sempre rabbrividire. Gran bel fim.

Read all reviews

Matteo Garrone

Director

Ernesto Mahieux

Peppino Profeta

Valerio Foglia Manzillo

Valerio

Elisabetta Rocchetti

Deborah

Lina Bernardi

Madre di Deborah

Pietro Biondi

Padre di Deborah

The Clan

38%

60%

The Clan

Watchlist

Close to Home

69%

63%

Close to Home

Watchlist

Yuva

77%

Yuva

Watchlist

Father and Son

67%

65%

Father and Son

Watchlist

Beat the Drum

88%

Beat the Drum

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Peppino (Ernesto Mahieux) is a skilled but lonely taxidermist until he crosses paths with Valerio (Valerio Foglia Manzillo), a handsome waiter in search of a better job. Peppino is strangely attracted to the charismatic young man and offers him a cushy position as his apprentice. To curry favor with his pretty-boy aide, Peppino lavishes him with gifts. But when Valerio meets the beautiful Deborah (Elisabetta Rocchetti), a twisted love triangle evolves that can only spell disaster.

Director: Matteo Garrone
Producer: Domenico Procacci
Screenwriter: Ugo Chiti, Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso
Distributor: Four Ways Features, First Run
Production Co: Fandango
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Italian
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 18, 2003, Original
Release Date (DVD): May 18, 2004
Box Office (Gross USA): $56.3K
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, Surround

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings