Enchanting, moving, and visually radiant, Awaiting the Lightning Bolt captures the restless spirit of a dreamer and the quiet force of love. It’s a short film with big energy — and a spark that lingers.
Directed by Marco Russo
Cast : Lupo Misrachi, Lorenzo Ferrero
Reviewed @ouchmagazine/RM
Awaiting the Lightning Bolt is a dazzling and heartfelt short that blends the magic of invention with the emotional weight of longing and love. Set during the Renaissance, this whimsical tale follows Renato, an eccentric and driven inventor who sets out to do the unthinkable — capture a lightning bolt in a jar. What begins as an audacious scientific pursuit soon evolves into a poetic meditation on purpose, connection, and the beauty of chasing something greater than oneself.
Visually, the film is a triumph. Every frame is steeped in old-world charm, from the flickering candlelit sketches in Renato’s workshop to the awe-inducing grandeur of gathering storms. The attention to period detail enhances the story’s grounded nature, while the stylized, dreamlike cinematography adds an ethereal touch that suits the film’s romantic, slightly surreal tone.
Despite its short runtime, Awaiting the Lightning Bolt leaves a lasting impact, reminding us that behind every bold idea is a beating heart.
