The 2024 American-Italian thriller Electra, directed by Hala Matar, has captivated audiences with its gripping story and breathtaking visuals. This independent film, marking Matar’s feature debut, blends psychological drama with vibrant Italian settings. At NetFilming, we dive into the enchanting locations where Electra was filmed, offering you a guide to explore these cinematic gems. From historic villas to charming coastal towns, the film’s backdrop enhances its themes of deceit, betrayal, and identity. Let’s uncover where Electra was shot and why these places are worth visiting.
What is Electra about?
Electra (2024) is a captivating American-Italian thriller marking the feature directorial debut of Bahraini filmmaker Hala Matar, the first Bahraini woman to helm a feature film. This independent gem follows journalist Dylan (Daryl Wein) and his photographer partner, Lucy (Abigail Cowen), as they visit Rome to interview musician Milo (Jack Farthing) and his enigmatic performance artist girlfriend, Francesca (Maria Bakalova). Their stay at a luxurious Italian villa spirals into a psychological game of deception, betrayal, and murder.
Co-written by Matar, Wein, and Paul Sado, the film blends baroque aesthetics with modern flair, drawing inspiration from Italian cinema like Fellini’s 8½ and thrillers like The Talented Mr. Ripley. Premiering at the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2024, it also screened at Oldenburg and Ischia festivals. Set for release on May 2, 2025, by Level 33 Entertainment, Electra’s 85-minute runtime and vibrant visuals make it a must-watch. Its stunning Italian settings, from a Renaissance villa to Rome’s lively streets, enhance the story’s intense themes of identity and manipulation, appealing to fans of stylish thrillers.
Where was ‘Electra’ filmed?
The primary filming location for Electra was a Renaissance villa in the Roman countryside, often referred to as a “palazzo” in sources. Here are the details:
Renaissance Villa in the Roman Countryside, Rome, Italy
The heart of Electra’s story unfolds in a stunning Renaissance villa in the Roman countryside, just outside Rome. This grand estate, often described as a palazzo, serves as the main setting where the characters’ psychological games play out. The villa’s opulent interiors, featuring frescoes, marble busts, and intricate decor, create a timeless yet claustrophobic atmosphere. Its architecture blends classic Italian elegance with the film’s modern, eclectic style, making it a character in its own right.
Filming took place in September 2022, with the cast and crew living in the villa for three weeks. This immersive setup allowed Matar to capture the location’s beauty while navigating tight shooting schedules. The villa’s isolated charm, surrounded by rolling hills, perfectly mirrors the story’s tension. While the exact name of the estate remains undisclosed, its Renaissance features evoke historic sites like Villa d’Este or Villa Farnese. For fans of Electra, visiting the Roman countryside offers a chance to explore similar historic villas open to the public, many of which host tours or events.
Additional Scenes in Rome, Italy
The film opens in Rome, where Dylan and Lucy arrive to begin their assignment. Though the villa dominates the narrative, Rome’s vibrant energy sets the stage. Scenes like a dinner at a fine restaurant capture the city’s timeless allure. Matar, who once lived in Rome, drew inspiration from Italian filmmakers like Federico Fellini, infusing the film with the city’s artistic spirit. Visitors to Rome can explore iconic sites like the Colosseum or Trastevere’s charming streets to feel the city’s cinematic magic, even if specific Electra locations remain subtle.
Electra Behind the Scenes
The making of Electra was a bold endeavor, with director Hala Matar leading a tight-knit cast and crew through an intense three-week shoot in September 2022. Filming primarily in a Renaissance villa in the Roman countryside, the team lived on-site, fostering a collaborative yet challenging environment.
Matar, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, shared, “The villa became our world. It was inspiring but demanding, with only 10-hour days due to Italian regulations.” This immersive setup allowed the cast, including Maria Bakalova and Jack Farthing, to dive deep into their complex roles. Actor Daryl Wein, who also co-wrote and co-produced, noted in Variety, “Living together blurred the lines between us and our characters, amplifying the tension.”
The film’s eclectic style, blending baroque visuals with modern editing, was shaped by cinematographer Michael Alden Lloyd and costume designer Hind Matar. Despite the fast-paced schedule, Matar’s vision and the villa’s grandeur created a unique cinematic experience, making Electra a standout indie thriller.
Electra Official Trailer
Share your thoughts on the film or your travel plans in the comments below, and stay tuned for more location guides!
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