Overview
A chance encounter on a picturesque Italian island leads to unexpected romance amidst family secrets.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- warm
- melancholic
- classic movie night
- date night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film charming and civilized, praising its performances and Mediterranean atmosphere while faulting its overlong, intermittently paced comedy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The protagonists meet while arranging the return of their parents' bodies, turning grief, bureaucracy, and scandal into comic material.
Wendell and Pamela's relationship grows from learning about their parents' decade-long affair and extending its emotional legacy.
Ischia's romantic island atmosphere contrasts with Wendell's rigid American business mindset and draws the characters into freer behavior.
Confusion surrounding the bodies and the locals' blackmail attempt repeatedly obstruct Wendell's effort to keep matters orderly and discreet.
Films like Avanti!, and why
The Apartment
shared Billy Wilder wit, romantic tension, and bittersweet comedy about emotionally guarded adults
The Seven Year Itch
shared cross-cultural romantic comedy, Mediterranean setting, and playful sexual politics
Cactus Flower
shared mature romance, farcical complications, and a sophisticated European travel atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Billy Wilder
- Release Date
- 1972-12-17
- Runtime
- 138 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (280)
Cast
- Jack Lemmon
- Juliet Mills
- Clive Revill
- Edward Andrews
- Gianfranco Barra
- Franco Angrisano
- Pippo Franco
- Franco Acampora
- Giselda Castrini
- Raffaele Mottola
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Avanti! about?
- A buttoned-up Baltimore businessman discovers love, scandal, and emotional freedom while settling his father's secret life on the island of Ischia.
- What is Avanti! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Avanti! as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Avanti! violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Avanti! as mild.
- What did critics think of Avanti!?
- Critics generally found the film charming and civilized, praising its performances and Mediterranean atmosphere while faulting its overlong, intermittently paced comedy.
- Which films are like Avanti!?
- Films with a similar feel include The Apartment, The Seven Year Itch, and Cactus Flower.
- How long is Avanti!?
- Avanti! runs 138 minutes.
- Where can I watch Avanti!?
- In United States, Avanti! streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
