🎬 The Premise
Released in 2022, The Garden That Doesn't Exist enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on
Once upon a time there was a garden, a refuge, a safe haven - 'The Garden of the Finzi Continis'.
Under the direction of Rä di Martino, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Dominique Sanda.
While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Garden That Doesn't Exist offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Garden That Doesn't Exist resonates with current
cultural themes in the Documentary space.
It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Garden That Doesn't Exist is available in theaters worldwide.
For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Garden That Doesn't Exist centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape.
Once upon a time there was a garden, a refuge, a safe haven - 'The Garden of the Finzi Continis'. It came to life in Giorgio Bassani's 1962 semi-autobiographical novel recounting an unfulfilled love story between two young Jews in Ferrara, while fascism was raging in Italy in the late 1930's. In 1972, Vittorio De Sica's film adaptation of the book won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Since then, the fictional space of the garden became so tangible that people from all over the world come to Ferrara to look for it. Fifty years after winning the Oscar, reality and fiction come together once more, as we walk through an imaginary garden and bring to life the book, its author, its main protagonists, history, love, friendships and betrayals.
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2022 cinema will find fairly predictable.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Garden That Doesn't Exist has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Garden That Doesn't Exist sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Garden That Doesn't Exist (2022): with an audience rating of 6.2/10, the reception has been divisive.
It is a recommended for fans of Documentary, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.