“Not quite Italian enough” was director Enrico Casarosa’s response to his first try. “Too Italian!” was the response to his second. Eventually Romer discovered the correct instrumental seasoning: a bit of accordion, a little mandolin, a lot of acoustic guitar and pizzicato strings — just enough to hint at the locale and the period .about his choice for composer.
Italian colors were only a part of Romer’s assignment. The story follows Luca and Alberto — who discover that they appear human when out of the water — and their summertime adventures in a seaside town, where they befriend a girl, Giulia; are plagued by an obnoxious older teen; and must avoid not only water but also Luca’s parents, who have come onshore looking for their missing son.
The town of Portorosso, where most of the action takes place, is “where we wanted to lean into the romantic Italian-score side,” reports director Casarosa.