Written by Kashvi Pallapotu. Graphic by Kashvi Pallapotu.
I went into “A Mosquito in the Ear” expecting an adoption story. I came out feeling like I’d been handed a piece of home.
Nicola Rinciari’s debut, based on Andrea Ferraris’s novel, follows Andrew and Daniela (Jake Lacy and Nazanin Boniadi), an American couple who turn to international adoption after struggling with fertility, and are matched with a four-year-old girl, played by Ruhi Pal.
As someone from India, I wasn’t prepared for how much this movie would connect with me. Seeing the places (shoutout Goa!), the scenes, and the culture on screen felt so familiar. The setting was shown with care, and never like a tourist’s postcard. The dialogue–and the Hindi–felt so natural, almost like overhearing a conversation instead of lines dropped in to prove a point. I’ve watched plenty of films where another language feels forced. This wasn’t one of them.
The way the film handles the language barrier between the parents and their daughter was the part that stayed with me most. The confusion, the patience, the small misunderstandings, and those quiet moments where connection happens without a shared word all felt true. That’s the heart of the film, and it landed just the way the filmmakers intended.
What made the screening even better was the panel afterward, with the film’s director and one of its producers, Emily Dillard–both SCAD alumni. Hearing their SCAD stories, how they found the idea for this movie, how they approached the process, and how passionate they still are about this story was so inspiring. It made me love the film more knowing how much heart went into it.
They also shared some awesome news: they’re planning to shoot a new movie entirely on the SCAD backlots next spring! This project is a great opportunity for anyone hoping to break into film, whether as a filmmaker, a cinematographer, actor, or any creative with the pure passion for the art.
Like the film itself, this conversation reminded me that the best stories often start close to home. “A Mosquito in The Ear” shows that love doesn’t always need a shared language, and that a story told with honesty and heart can travel anywhere. I walked out of that theater feeling seen and inspired to keep chasing my stories. I hope you get to watch this movie and chase your stories.
