My Brilliant Friend – Story of the Lost Child, the fourth and final season of the series inspired by Elena Ferrante’s books, returns to Rai 1 starting this evening and will tell the story of the adult lives of the two protagonists Lila and Lenù. Where were the episodes filmed? Here are all the locations between Naples, Florence and Turin.
My Brilliant Friend – The story of the lost little girl It is the fourth and final season of the series inspired by the book saga of the same name Elena Ferrante and starting this evening, Monday 11 November, will be broadcast on Rai 1 for 5 consecutive weeks. The protagonists are the final episodes again Lila and Lenù (played in this unreleased adult version by Irene Maiorino and Alba Rohrwacher): they face different moments of their lives but always side by side, proof that the bond that unites them is indissoluble. The city of Naples is mainly the background of the story, although some scenes were filmed between Florence and Turin: here are all the locations of the long-awaited Rai-HBO series.
The places in Naples where L’Amica Geniale 4 was filmed
Through the prime rent of My Brilliant Friend – The Story of the Little Lost Girl the house of Lenù who, after becoming a successful writer, goes to live with Nino Sarratore is in a house in via Tasso, a wonderful panoramic street in Naples that connects Corso Vittorio Emanuele with Vomero. Since the street was too narrow to accommodate the crew and cameras, the filming was done via Petrarca between number 140 and the curve after the Bar del Serpentone.
Lila and Lunù in Piazza Plabiscito
As a backdrop for the scenes set in Naples, there will be a number of iconic places in the city, from Piazza Plebiscito to Lungomare Caracciolo and Piazza Mercato.
The protagonists will then return to their neighborhood of origin, Rione Luzzatti di Poggioreale, across Piazza Mercato and its neighboring streets through Conte di Castelmola and Vico Mercato, and will visit Largo San Marcellino, in the heart of the Decumani, where one of the headquarters of the City. Federico II University of Naples (where the cloister of Saints Marcellinus and Festus is inside).
The locations in Turin of the series inspired by Elena Ferrante’s book
In the fourth season of My Brilliant Friend, Elena Greco has grown up and, thanks to her career as a writer, leaves Naples. He manages to enter the bourgeois living rooms of Turin, the symbol of the cultured and refined world of Italy in the 80s, as well as its cultural and social emancipation. The filming that takes place in the city takes place mainly in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, to be precise at number 78 where the main character’s house is. The episodes also feature other iconic locations, from via Po to via Sabaudia, up to the Santa Rita area.
The places in Florence last season of My Brilliant Friend
The city of Florence also plays a central role in the fourth season of L’Amica Geniale: it is where Lenù moves to continue her university studies and her career as a writer before returning to Naples. As in all scenes, in this case too the atmosphere of the 70s and 80s was perfectly recreated between vintage cars, modern “destroy” signs and themed costumes. Among the Tuscan scenes, the most emblematic are those created in iconic places such as Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Santa Croce.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Elena Ferrante Expert
Editor: Good evening, and thank you for joining us today! With the highly anticipated final season of “My Brilliant Friend – The Story of the Lost Child” launching on Rai 1, it’s a great time to dive into the enduring themes of the series and the stories within. We have with us a special guest, an expert on Elena Ferrante’s works, Dr. Maria Rossi. Maria, it’s great to have you here!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such a captivating series.
Editor: The new season promises to explore the adult lives of Lila and Lenù. How do you see their journeys evolving in this final chapter?
Dr. Rossi: In this season, we really see Lila and Lenù navigating the complexities of adult life while remaining rooted in their unbreakable bond. Elena Ferrante expertly portrays their relationship, showing how it transforms over time but is never diminished. This season emphasizes themes of identity and friendship in the face of life’s challenges.
Editor: You mentioned unbreakable bonds. How significant do you think the setting is, especially locations like Naples, Florence, and Turin, in shaping their story?
Dr. Rossi: The settings are foundational to the narrative. Naples, with its rich history and cultural backdrop, acts almost as a character in itself. Locations like Piazza Plebiscito and Lungomare Caracciolo not only provide stunning visuals but also reflect the characters’ personal struggles and triumphs. The shifting backdrops—from the bustling streets of Naples to the elegance of Florence—mirror Lila and Lenù’s evolving lives and aspirations.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. Speaking of settings, the filming of this final season took place in various iconic locations. How does this impact the authenticity of the adaptation?
Dr. Rossi: Filming in actual locations, such as Lenù’s house on Via Tasso and the streets of Rione Luzzatti, brings an authenticity that resonates deeply with viewers. It allows audiences to immerse themselves in the world of Ferrante’s characters, making their experiences more relatable. The intersection of real life and fiction is what makes Ferrante’s work so impactful.
Editor: Absolutely! As viewers, we often feel a stronger connection when we can visualize the spaces that hold the characters’ memories. Now, there are hints about changes in the neighborhood and characters’ costumes reflecting these transitions. How do you interpret that?
Dr. Rossi: The evolution of the neighborhood signifies the broader changes in society and in the characters’ lives. Costumes can tell a story of their own—reflecting the social and economic shifts they’ve experienced. As Lila and Lenù navigate their paths, their appearances evolve to portray their inner struggles and growth. It’s a brilliant way Ferrante integrates thematic depth through visual storytelling.
Editor: what do you hope audiences take away from this season and the series as a whole?
Dr. Rossi: I hope viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of friendship, the trials of womanhood, and the enduring impact of our roots. Elena Ferrante’s narrative pushes us to consider our own stories and the bonds that shape us throughout life. It’s not merely about the destination but also the intertwined journeys of Lila and Lenù.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for your insightful thoughts! As “My Brilliant Friend” concludes, there’s no denying the profound impact it has had—both on literature and on television. We eagerly look forward to seeing how Lila and Lenù’s story unfolds in this final season.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! I’m excited to witness the closing of this beautiful saga.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more discussions and insights as we continue to explore the vibrant worlds created by Elena Ferrante.