There’s no arguing with the technical quality with which Vincere was made; Daniele Ciprì’s cinematography here is masterful, and Marco Bellocchio’s directing choices are both bold and innovative.  Giovanna Mezzogiorno turns in a powerful performance as the downtrodden yet unrelenting Ida Dalser, and Filippo Timi’s dual performance as Mussolini is also strong.  And perhaps the greatest star of the film is Carlo Crivelli’s bombastic score...

Despite all of this genius, it all originates from a script that never quite brings its audience anywhere.  This tale of injustice and tragedy is choppy, without purpose - and the history lesson that audiences long for is never delivered.