The darkness of life is pierced by the light of childish innocence. Francesco Lombardo stars as Denni, a 10-year-old living with his loving mother and abusive father. Tired of seeing his Mum battered, he hatches a plan: to hire “Super Killer” Secco (Andrea Lattanzi) to shoot his father, paying for it with money stolen from his factory. In reality, Secco is a small-time crook with no experience of killing, but is very interested in robbing Denni’s father’s factory. The pair try to outwit each other over the coming days, forming a bond that neither expected to come to life.

Domestic violence is nothing to take lightly on film, especially when seen through the eyes of a child. The opening moments may suggest a much harder watch to come, as Denni lightly kisses his mother’s bruises to make them better. Looking at Lombardo’s wide eyes and sincere expression, it’s difficult to know whether to root for him to achieve his goal or not. Luckily, that’s not the focus here, as most of the film’s joyous moments come in the scenes between Denni and Secco.

Their bond is reminiscent of 2023’s Scrapper (Charlotte Regan), focusing on the connection between an adult who has some growing to do and a child who has seen too much. From a dark beginning, the friendship between the two becomes unusually sweet. Secco becomes Denni’s unwilling protector when he recovers a stolen bike from bullies, and takes care of his young client when he accidentally ingests drugs. Nobody is a hero, exactly, but the journey of Denni finding the love he needs in an unlikely place is endearing. As we learn more about Secco, we understand this journey is about how being a parent is something you have to work at.

Lattanzi is a live wire, with Eminem-still bleach blonde hair and a swagger that only further betrays his insecurities. He lets his young co-star take the spotlight, but it’s a mature performance that makes him feel authentic whether bartering with criminals or, in the film’s most memorable scene, pretending to swim with Denni. Imagination is a recurring theme here, as Lombardo’s tiny protagonist acts out his frustration by imagining special powers. It’s another device that puts us in his point of view, making for a moral maze that is easy to be drawn into.

My Killer Buddy ends a bit too neatly, giving the viewer everything they need emotionally at the expense of some grit. However, spending time with these unlikely murderers is an enriching experience. Gianluca Santoni’s debut feature premieres in the 32nd edition of the Raindance Film Festival.