Sorrentino's 'La Grazia' on Mubi Explores a Leader's Existential Quandary

The seventh pairing of director Paolo Sorrentino and actor Toni Servillo dramatizes the final months of a fictional Italian president's tenure.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Paolo Sorrentino's latest film 'La Grazia', now streaming on Mubi, follows the final months in office of Mariano De Santis, the fictional President of Italy. Known for his composure and respect for tradition, Mariano faces a number of weighty decisions, including whether to sign a euthanasia bill, as he grapples with his own mortality and the mystery of his late wife's infidelity. Sorrentino's meticulous visual style and Toni Servillo's nuanced performance anchor this contemplative character study.

Why it matters

Sorrentino's films often explore big existential questions through the lens of powerful, complex protagonists. 'La Grazia' continues this thematic thread, using the backdrop of Italian politics to delve into one man's reckoning with the end of his career and life. The film's examination of euthanasia, infidelity, and legacy offers insights into the personal struggles of those in positions of authority.

The details

In 'La Grazia', Toni Servillo plays Mariano De Santis, the respected President of Italy who is nearing the end of his term. As he faces decisions on euthanasia legislation and pardon petitions, Mariano is also haunted by the mystery of his late wife's infidelity decades ago. The film follows Mariano as he navigates these weighty personal and professional matters, with his lawyer daughter Dori (Anna Ferzetti) and others in his inner circle providing differing perspectives.

  • Mariano De Santis is six months away from the end of his presidency.

The players

Mariano De Santis

The fictional President of Italy, known for his composure and respect for tradition, who is grappling with decisions on euthanasia legislation and his late wife's infidelity as his term nears its end.

Dori

Mariano's lawyer daughter, who serves as his closest advisor and pushes him to sign the euthanasia bill, though their relationship is strained.

Coco

An old friend and arts patron of Mariano's who knows the identity of his wife's former lover but refuses to reveal it.

Ugo

The Minister of Justice with ambitions for the Presidency, who is suspected by Mariano of being his wife's infidelity partner.

Massimo

Mariano's loyal security guard who shows him affection, sneaking him cigarettes when he needs to reflect.

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What they’re saying

“Servillo assures La Grazia's thematic depth beyond the calculated machinations of the screenplay, all but carrying the film on his able shoulders.”

— John Serba, Film Critic (Decider)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the pardon petitions that Mariano is considering.

The takeaway

Sorrentino's contemplative character study of a powerful leader grappling with the end of his career and life offers insights into the personal struggles of those in positions of authority, as they reckon with mortality, legacy, and the complexities of the human experience.