TV Review: Secrets echo through generations in 'The Time Before Us'

The Italian television series "Aika ennen meitä" (The Time Before Us) offers a sweeping narrative of Italy's tumultuous 20th-century history, framed through the lens of a single rural family. Spanning six decades from 1918 to 1978, the ten-part series delves into the profound impact of historical turning points on ordinary lives.

Central to the story is Nadia, who acts as both the series' protagonist and narrator. Her perspective guides viewers through a period marked by immense upheaval, including two world wars and the rise of fascism. The series emphasizes how secrets, falsehoods, and the resulting shame became deeply embedded within many Italian families during these eras.

A poignant line from the series encapsulates its core theme: "Italy's problem is that it cannot speak the truth." This sentiment underscores the narrative's exploration of suppressed histories and the enduring weight of unspoken truths. The series uses the family's journey to illustrate the broader historical and social fabric of Italy during these transformative years.