Throwback Comedy “Sicilia Express” on Netflix
TORONTO – While the holidays may be officially over, La Befana’s visit likely delayed the dreaded plundering of Christmas trees. More importantly, it prolonged the festive spirit for a few more days. But for those who simply refuse to acknowledge the end, Netflix is playing Sicilia Express, a new comedy miniseries created, written, directed and starring the ever-popular duo Ficarra and Picone.
The Sicilian comedians became household names in the early 2000s as hosts for the satirical news program Striscia la Notizia. Since then, their films have been major box office hits locally, garnering critical acclaim and several David Di Donatello nominations. Akin to American comics like Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, the Sicilian duo attracts wide audiences without resorting to vulgarity.
The Sicilia Express wrings comedy from the century old theme of the north-working Italian, aka the southern Italian brain-drain. The plot follows two Sicilian friends who work in a Milan hospital, away from their families who’ve remained in Sicily. When their boss doesn’t permit them ample time to travel home for the holidays, familial relationships are tested.
But like some American comedies used to do, for example Hot Tub Time Machine, Freaky Friday and About Time, Sicilia Express relies on an absurdist/fantastical device to drive the humour and plot forward. In the film, the Sicilian friends discover that a dumpster magically functions as a portal to their Sicilian homes – enabling them to spend Christmas with their families. Along with other extra curriculars.
The historical context of internal migration from south to north makes the series immediately relatable for Italians, given the historic economic disparities between the regions. The largest wave saw nearly 5 million southerners move to cities like Milan, Turin and Genoa between the 1950s and 1970s. Although a recent south-working trend seems to be emerging.
But the brain drain phenomenon is not unique to Italy, as many Canadians will also identify with the imperative to access a larger job market and higher wages. Something Canadians have been doing more of in recent years, seeking lower tax burdens and escaping high housing costs.
And although Sicilia Express is full of culture specific humour, it’s also underlaid with warm family elements, intensified by the working away/abroad dilemma. Timed perfectly for a Canadian audience whose emigration numbers are growing annually, and marked by a record high exodus of 126,340 people who moved from Canada to the U.S. in 2022.
But leaving is the easier part of the migration equation, often fortified and motivated by necessity. The fallout however, almost always includes some degree of home sickness. Especially around the holidays. And Sicilia Express leans into some heavy themes with light slapstick humour. Perfect family viewing for those who don’t want Christmas to end.
Images courtesy of Netflix
Massimo Volpe is a filmmaker and freelance writer from Toronto: he writes reviews of Italian films/content on Netflix
