Toni Servillo is returning to the Venice Film Festival with Scherzetto, a new Italian drama from acclaimed filmmaker Mario Martone. The film places the celebrated actor in a very different kind of battle—not against another powerful character, but against the unpredictable energy of a young child.
Premiering out of competition at Venice 2026, Scherzetto centers on an aging illustrator whose quiet routine is disrupted when he is asked to look after his young grandson. What begins as a simple family responsibility soon turns into an emotionally revealing confrontation between two very different generations.
Toni Servillo Takes on a Different Role
Servillo plays the film’s central character, a solitary and somewhat grumpy illustrator who values his independence. His carefully controlled lifestyle changes when his grandson arrives, forcing him to deal with the child’s curiosity, energy and unpredictable behavior.
The relationship gives Servillo an opportunity to explore a character who is not defined by the larger-than-life personalities often associated with his most celebrated performances.
The actor is one of Italy’s most respected performers, known internationally for films including The Great Beauty and several collaborations with major Italian directors.
Mario Martone Returns to Venice
Scherzetto reunites Servillo with Mario Martone, continuing a creative partnership that has already produced acclaimed work.
Martone previously directed Servillo in The King of Laughter, in which the actor portrayed legendary Italian theater figure Eduardo Scarpetta. The director has also made films such as Nostalgia and Leopardi, establishing himself as one of the important voices in contemporary Italian cinema.
With Scherzetto, Martone moves toward a more intimate story built around family, aging and the complicated relationship between generations.
A Grandfather and Grandson at the Center
The story unfolds largely around the unexpected relationship between the older illustrator and his grandson.
The child’s presence challenges the protagonist’s habits and his desire for solitude. Their interactions gradually become more than a simple clash between an adult and an energetic child, revealing emotions and personal vulnerabilities that the grandfather has kept under control.
Rather than presenting the relationship as straightforward, the film appears interested in the misunderstandings, frustrations and moments of connection that can emerge between generations.
A Story Adapted From Domenico Starnone
Scherzetto is based on Domenico Starnone’s 2016 novel Scherzetto. Martone co-wrote the screenplay with Ippolita Di Majo, his longtime writing collaborator.
The film’s creative team transforms the source material into a compact character-driven drama. Official Venice information lists the movie at approximately 105 minutes and identifies Servillo, Lorenzo Perrotta and Serena Rossi among its principal cast members.
Serena Rossi Joins the Cast
Serena Rossi also appears in the film alongside Servillo. Her involvement adds another dimension to the family story surrounding the central grandfather-grandson relationship.
The cast also includes Leonardo Lidi, Giovanni Ludeno and Gianluca Di Gennaro, expanding the film’s intimate ensemble.
Scherzetto at Venice 2026
Scherzetto will premiere out of competition at the 2026 Venice Film Festival on September 10. Its inclusion gives the film an international platform while keeping the focus on an intimate Italian story rather than a traditional awards-season competition title.
The Venice appearance also places Martone’s latest work among a diverse selection of international films at this year’s festival.
