The Keys to the House (2004)

In the poignant narrative of 'The Keys to the House', Gianni, a man entwined in the web of avoidance and guilt, is thrust back into a role he abandoned at birth - that of a father. His son, Paolo, a vibrant yet developmentally disabled teenager, has been cared for by his doting aunt and uncle, Alberto and Livia, following the tragic death of his mother during childbirth. When Alberto urges Gianni to accompany Paolo to Berlin for crucial medical tests, a journey of discovery and acceptance begins. As the bustling streets of Berlin unfurl with scenes of life in all its unscripted, vibrant glory, Gianni is caught in a whirlwind of emotions. He's introduced to a world he once shied away from, finding himself drawn to the magnetic charm of his son. Amidst the clinical sterility of the hospital and the vibrant rhythms of the city, Paolo's engaging personality begins to break down the wall that Gianni had built around himself. In Berlin, Gianni forges an unlikely friendship with Nicole, a seasoned mother to a severely disabled daughter. Her candid warning about the pain of staying close to his son resonates deeply with Gianni. Yet, it's in this very suffering that Gianni begins to understand the depth of his obligation and the stirring of newfound desires. 'The Keys to the House' is a stirring tale that explores the tangled threads of love, responsibility, and acceptance. As Gianni grapples with his past mistakes and contemplates the possibility of a future with his estranged son, the audience is left to ponder the question: will he ultimately embrace his role as a father to this enchanting, mercurial, and disabled youth?

The Keys to the House is a drama movie featuring Charlotte Rampling.

The Keys to the House is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Shout! Factory TV and Tubi TV.