Io Capitano

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1:25

Io Capitano

Released Feb 23, 2024

2h 2m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

109 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a "reverse shot" of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.

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Critics Consensus

A journey toward hope, Io Capitano perambulates through the ravishing Saharan landscape encountering the most sublime and debased corners of humanity.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

This is a film that, for all its brutal horrors, keeps a kernel of hope and faith in the inherent decency of humankind (or some of it at least).

Rated: 4/5

Apr 7, 2024

Full Review

Danny Leigh

Financial Times

The film makes brilliant if often harrowing cinema. But Garrone’s boldest strokes are also subtle.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 4, 2024

Full Review

Katherine McLaughlin

Little White Lies

Sarr and Fall are wonderful young actors and excel in displaying joy and fear, presenting a warming and believable brotherly dynamic.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 3, 2024

Full Review

David Bax

Battleship Pretension

Perhaps the biggest sign that the film represents a leap forward for Garrone, though, is that he gracefully portrays touching moments of kindness amidst all the turmoil.

May 23, 2025

Full Review

William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

Seydou Sarr is sensational in Io Capitano, Matteo Garrone’s overly refined but ultimately harrowing journey of migration.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 3, 2024

Full Review

Abe Friedtanzer

Cinema Daily US

The film combines elements of The Swimmers and Slumdog Millionaire, stories of survival and cleverness, for an affirming experience that transcends its miserable setup and ensuing events.

Rated: B+

Jul 23, 2024

Full Review

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Alessandro

An epic journey of incredible strength, a necessary tale for our time

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/01/24

Full Review

lawrence m

Extremely poignant and superbly acted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/24

Full Review

Roy J

They come here illegally because they don't have a legal way. The illegal way is harder and risky, nobody wants to do this, but they have no choice. Beautiful movie, love the ending.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

Full Review

Film Buff

Utery harrowing and heartbreaking story of the trials and tribulations of migration from Africa to Europe.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/24

Full Review

Nadir

Very heart breaking to see such a treacherous journey.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/24/24

Full Review

movies o

A journey toward hope, Io Capitano perambulates through the ravishing Saharan landscape encountering the most sublime and debased corners of humanity.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

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Matteo Garrone

Director

Seydou Sarr

Seydou

Moustapha Fall

Moussa

Issaka Sawagodo

Martin

Hichem Yacoubi

Ahmed

Doodou Sagna

Charlatan

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The Swimmers

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Io Capitano: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a "reverse shot" of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.

Director: Matteo Garrone
Producer: Paolo Del Brocco, Matteo Garrone
Screenwriter: Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso, Massimo Ceccherini, Andrea Tagliaferri
Distributor: Cohen Media Group
Production Co: Archimede, RAI Cinema, Pathé Films, Tarantula
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Wolof
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 23, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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