In Netflix ‘s vast catalog
, where new offerings appear every week, not all of them manage to stand out or win over audiences. However, there are times when a production manages to break through that barrier and become a true phenomenon.
That’s exactly what’s happening with a film that, in a very short time, has become one of the platform’s most-watched: “Cabrini ,” a moving story based on true events that is moving thousands of users around the world.
“Cabrini ,” also known as “An Italian Woman ,” has managed to position itself among Netflix’s most popular titles thanks to its deep narrative and a protagonist who has left her mark. The 2-hour, 22-minute film transports viewers to 19th-century New York, when Italian immigration was just beginning to make its mark in the United States.
The story revolves around Mother Frances Cabrini , a courageous Italian woman who arrives in New York in 1889 with other nuns with the mission of helping those most in need. There, she faces countless obstacles, from discrimination based on her nationality and gender to the indifference of the authorities. Her struggle even leads her to confront the city’s mayor, challenging the social norms of the time in her steadfast determination to assist the most disadvantaged.
The film, directed by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde , who also wrote the script with Rod Barr , has earned widespread public recognition for its ability to move and tell a story that is as little-known as it is inspiring. With a carefully crafted setting and an outstanding cast, where names such as Cristiana Dell’Anna , John Lithgow , David Morse , Romana Maggiora Vergano and Giancarlo Giannini shine , this production manages to reconstruct a complex era without losing sight of the human engine that drives its narrative: compassion, faith and determination.
Throughout the film, we see how Cabrini and her companions struggle against a hostile environment. Despite the adversities, they found schools, orphanages, and hospitals , providing assistance to Italian immigrants living in extremely vulnerable conditions. Her vision and ability to organize resources make her a pioneer in social work and a historical figure of enormous significance, although many people are still unaware of her legacy.
While some critics have pointed out that the film repetitively relies on certain melodramatic elements, many agree that it succeeds in portraying with strength and humanity a woman whose life deserves to be told. Dell’Anna’s performance has been especially praised for her sensitivity and dedication, bringing to life a woman whose unwavering faith and iron will marked a turning point for many immigrant families.
Beyond the aesthetics and the staging, what truly touched viewers was the story’s message of hope and overcoming challenges . In a time when the impact a single person determined to change the world can have is often lost sight of, “Cabrini” reminds us that true strength isn’t always found in power, but in the conviction to do good.
For those who enjoy biographical films with strong emotional content and an uplifting message, this is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Available on Netflix , “Cabrini” not only entertains but also inspires. And that, now more than ever, makes it a gem in the catalog.
