Pooja Sharma
Grappled with the mundane activities of life and little to look forward to, Kristin takes on an unlikely path in ‘Mafia Mamma,’ where she no longer has to succumb to the whims of those around her. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the action comedy film takes viewers on Kristin’s gritty journey from the US to Italy. Living as a nobody, her world turns upside down when she learns that she’s the last standing descendant of her grandfather and the sole recipient of his inheritance. Starring Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, and Sophia Nomvete, the movie focuses on Kristin and how she rises to the occasion when she’s made the boss of the most powerful Mafia family in Calabria.
The realistic existential crisis that leaves Kristin hyperventilating at the worst moments, wracking her brain to calculate the possible outcomes and, all in all, being the antithesis of Mafia, is precisely what makes ‘Mafia Mamma’ a great watch. Even with its elements of surprise, whimsical comedy, and stomach-clenching action, the gist of the story that sees her unexpected succession to the Mafia throne is enough to leave viewers wondering whether or not there is more to the story. Aside from the realistic portrayal by Toni Collette and enrapturing screenplay, the story seems too good to be untrue. Naturally, viewers and fans wonder whether or not ‘Mafia Mamma’ is based on true events. Gratefully, we’ve got all the answers you are looking for!
Mafia Mamma is a Fictional Story
No, Mafia Mamma is not based on a true story. The film is based on an original story by Amanda Sthers, with the screenplay written by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon, giving the narrative its scintillating allure. Among the numerous stories covering Mafia narratives, it is easy for viewers to wonder whether an unbeknownst American heiress really did exist.
The story follows Kristin, dealing with her son’s enrollment in college, her demanding boss, and a divorce from her unfaithful husband. Things turn from bad to worse when she receives the call of her grandfather’s passing. However, things take an unlikely turn when she’s called to Italy to be present for his last rites. A sudden gun attack during her grandfather’s ritualistic procession leaves Kristin astounded and befuddled.
When Kristin’s grandfather’s consigliere Bianca tells her that her grandfather wanted her to assume the role of Boss for the most powerful Mafia family in Calabria as his last living descendant, she is left completely shocked. While the storyline may be fictitious, it may not be unlikely for a powerful Mafia to conceal the identity of his heir to his last dying breath in order to continue their legacy. Naturally, when Kristin reluctantly accedes to the role of Boss for the Mafia family, things take a comical turn.
Inspired by the drama, royalty and allure of ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Mean Streets’, director Catherine Hardwicke’s take on a mafia story coalesces with comedy effortlessly. From bringing muffins to men who deliver body parts as gifts, Kristin uses her reckless ways to create her own path and make way for herself in the closeted dynamics of the Mafia.
What makes the movie affirmatively real is the portrayal of Toni Collette and her exasperation with the news. While it is not uncommon for people to remain unaware of the things that have been left for them by their adults, it is certainly the surprise of the iron-clad agreement that requires Kristin to change herself completely that makes ‘Mafia Mamma’ an almost real rendition.
Moreover, the ensuing mob war that makes Kristin’s word more powerful than any other’s is precisely what sets the tone for a story stemming from reality. The infamous activities of the mafia that have been the inspiration for countless oeuvres are also seen clearly in ‘Mafia Mamma,’ and so, the woman whose most difficult concerns began and ended with her cheating husband must find ways to deal with the center of criminal activities and deal with one crisis after another.
So, naturally, children and descendants who become the bearer of their elder’s responsibilities find this tale almost real. However, even though the painfully hilarious portrayal of a mafia boss seems real, the movie is not based on a true story and is entirely a work of fiction, giving creators the creative liberty to go to extensive lengths to accentuate the storyline.
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