Alone in Venice is a 2025 drama written and directed by Jules East that turns the famous novel Death in Venice on its head. In this touching movie, a young actor-to-be waits for a married director in Venice, a city that seems to have changed little over the years. As he thinks about love and his relationship, he experiences a flood of emotions, both real and imagined. This leads to a fight above the canals in Venice during the famous November floods.
The movie has a spellbinding atmosphere that goes perfectly with Venice’s romantic and mysterious charm. The cast includes Lisa Jacqueline Starrett, Apollo Luce, Luca Rosini, Elizabeth Starrett, and Lucrezia Spreafico. But what really makes this movie stand out is how the beautiful settings bring out the emotional depth of the story.
Where Was Alone in Venice Filmed?
This is where Jules East’s dream came true in the middle of Venice, Italy. It shows the city’s unique charm. The movie was shot from April 2021 to late 2023. We’ll talk more about the specific places where this movie masterpiece was filmed below.
Venice, Italy
The story of the movie is centered around Venice’s winding streets, canals, and old buildings. The city itself turns into a character, showing how the main character feels as they go through life. As a Chinese filmmaker, Jules East said,
“I was mesmerized by the beauty of Venice and surprised to learn that it had a reputation as a safe haven for forbidden love among wealthy Chinese women.” The unique beauty of the city inspired me to write this story.
Rialto Market (Rialto Produce Market)
Another important place in the movie is the Rialto Market; which is near the famous Rialto Bridge. This busy market is a stark contrast to the main character’s journey of self-reflection. Lisa Jacqueline Starrett’s character and sound engineer Francesco Piazza were filmed here on April 14, 2022. This made the movie’s portrayal of everyday life in Venice seem more real. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce and the lively interactions of market vendors create an atmosphere brimming with life and energy.
San Marco Square (Piazza San Marco)
No film set in Venice would be complete without scenes shot at the iconic San Marco Square. People call this lively piazza “the drawing room of Europe,” and it’s the center of the movie. The story fits perfectly with the square’s romantic appeal and classic beauty.
In the summer of 2023, filming took place at San Marco Square. The crew planned their shoots so that they could avoid the busy tourist season. The character’s inner turmoil is set against the dramatic beauty of landmarks like the Campanile and the Basilica di San Marco.
A Chinese Restaurant, Venice
A Chinese restaurant in Venice is a surprising and lovely addition to the movie’s settings. The characters share a quiet, reflective moment over a meal. Jules East’s choice to include this scene shows how Venice is a multicultural place with influences from both East and West. The small private setting really stands out against the big, open areas of San Marco Square and the Rialto Market; drawing attention to the characters’ private, emotional moments.
The Grand Canal and the bridges in Venice
The most important part of Alone in Venice happens on a bridge over the Grand Canal in November, when Venice is flooded. The rising water in this dramatic scene represents the characters’ emotional flood as they deal with their feelings. The film shows the unique beauty of the canal by showing how the gondolas and old buildings look when they are reflected in the water. The bridge scene was carefully planned to happen at the right time for the season’s high tides. This gave the movie’s visual storytelling more realism.
More than just a love story; Alone in Venice is a beautiful tribute to the city of Venice. The story comes to life in a way that only Venice could because of Jules East’s careful choice of settings—such as the busy Rialto Market,—the peaceful beauty of San Marco Square and the moving background of the Grand Canal. People will soon be able to fully experience this cinematic journey through one of the world’s most beautiful cities when it comes out in North America on January 7, 2025.
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