Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
Benito Mussolini resurfaces in Rome 72 years after his death, as if not a single day had passed. Finding a country still full of problems, both old and new, his firebrand rhetoric wins him once again the hearts and minds of millions of Italians — who see him as a wacky reenactor who speaks inconvenient truths to power.
I'm Back (Son tornato) follows the same 'dictator reappears in modern times' premise popularized by the German film Er ist wieder da (Look Who's Back, 2015), making it inherently derivative in concept even if it applies the idea to Italian politics and Mussolini specifically. The mockumentary-style blending of scripted scenes with real street interactions gives it some local flavor and biting social commentary on Italy's political climate, but the execution is uneven. The acting is serviceable, with Massimo Popolizio delivering a committed performance as Mussolini, though the supporting cast is less memorable. Cinematography is functional and unremarkable, typical of the mockumentary format without any particular visual distinction. The ending feels abrupt and lacks the punch needed to elevate the satire to a truly memorable conclusion. Overall it's a watchable political comedy that doesn't fully capitalize on its premise.