Divertimento (2020): Movie Review and Summary
Kellan Lutz and Torrey DeVitto star in “Divertimento,” a twisty tale about how the games we play can turn deadly. Keyvan Sheikhailshai’s short film has plenty of intrigue and flair to be a full-length film.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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General Information
| Director(s) | Keyvan Sheikhailshai |
| Screenplay By | Keyvan Sheikhailshai |
| Based On | N/A |
| Date Released (Film Festival) | 2020 |
| Genre(s) | Thriller |
| Film Length | 30 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Jonas | Kellan Lutz |
| Cathy | Torrey DeVitto |
| Gustav | Ola Rapace |
What Is “Divertimento” Rated And Why?
“Divertimento” is Not Rated but features scenes of gun violence and death.
Film Summary
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text in this post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.
“Divertimento” is a gorgeous film whose set design sweeps you up in its grand allure and rising unease. Keyvan Sheikhailshai’s 30-minute short film is about two people whose perilous situation and relationship are an ever-changing mystery. Jonas (Kellan Lutz) finds Cathy (Torrey DeVitto) stranded on the road outside of a beautiful yet sinister castle. They have little memory of who they are and where they’re going. Like the game of chess that’s played throughout “Divertimento,” plot beats, and characters are shifting, power dynamics reverse, and no one is certain of the truth.
Director Sheikhailshai utilizes the castle setting in “Divertimento” to embrace viewers’ lavish dreams and most haunted paranoias about roaming in a grand, historic place. The hallways are paved in warm, golden colors and exotic treasures, yet we dread what lurks behind any door. “Divertimento” may not be a horror film, but the film’s score and increasing discomfort signal to its audience that whatever comes next is not going to be good for our protagonists.
The title “Divertimento” means entertaining or lighthearted, and while the short film is entertaining, the grim faces and accusations of murder and wrongdoing that take place over the course of 30 minutes dive into a disorienting and horrific realization for Jonas. The film uses a chess game to represent the danger Jonas and Cathy face but spends most of its time in a puzzle, in flashbacks, and in illusions to make us question our heroes and villains, Jonas, Cathy, and Gustav (Ola Rapace). “Divertimento” proudly shares its filmmaking influences like Christopher Nolan, Hitchcock, and even James Bond films, yet it creates its own demented world that could easily become a full-length movie.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Jonas
Jonas is a perplexed individual trapped in a game of his own creation. While he may initially be an investigator and protector of his strange circumstances, we soon learn of his demons.
- The actor is also known for their role in “FBI: Most Wanted,” their role in “The Expendables 3,” and their role in “Twilight.”
Cathy
Cathy is confused and unsure of who to trust when she wakes up in the middle of the road. What becomes clear is that she has a relationship with Jonas that’s equally sweet and menacing.
- The actor is also known for their roles in “Pretty Little Liars” and “Chicago Med.”
Gustav
A mysterious and powerful chess player who seems like the antagonist and cause of Jonas and Cathy’s perilous situation.
- The actor is also known for their roles in “Skyfall” and “The Last Kingdom.”
Review
Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)
Highlights
Striking Set Design, Lighting, and Costumes Create a Lavish Nightmare
“Divertimento” enjoys playing into viewers’ fantasies about how the rich live. Magnificent suits, dresses, grand rooms with gleaming frames and floor designs, and at the center of all this fancy hubbub is a chess game that may or may not be deadly. The film LOOKS expensive and wears its budget in every lit corner and shadow on the screen.
Clear Focus of Direction with Masterful Shots and Editing
We don’t know what’s going on, but we trust the story. The editing, the repetition of scenes and lines, and the protagonists being just as confused as the viewer are all indicators that the film is going somewhere and to trust the journey into chaos. Sheikhailshai and the crew guide the viewer into the darkness, but because the direction and editing are so concise and reassuring, we know there will be a fiery, lethal light.
On The Fence
Jonas and Cathy’s Relationship Remains a Mystery
How close were Jonas and Cathy? What leads one to pull a murderous prank on the other and the other to exact explosive vengeance on everyone else? “Divertimento” could spend more time exploring Jonas and Cathy’s attachment to each other and how they found themselves in this predicament to start, but this could also easily detract from a lean short and fit more into a full-length narrative film.
Recommendations
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FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this episode:
Does “Divertimento” Setup A Sequel?
“Divertimento” has a clear ending with no need for a sequel.
Does “Divertimento” Have A Mid-Credit or End Credit Scene?
No, “Divertimento” does not have a mid-credit or end-credit scene.
