The final season of HBO’s My Brilliant Friend delves into the adult lives of Elena and Lila, the central characters of Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed Neapolitan Novels. This season wraps up the story, following the events of the fourth book, The Story of the Lost Child. The show returns to the late 1980s in Italy, where Elena and Lila face the complexities of adulthood while living in their old neighborhood.
In Season 4, Elena and Lila grapple with the challenges of motherhood, their careers, and personal struggles, all set against a backdrop of political and social upheaval. The season portrays their lives amid the end of decades of political violence and unrest in Italy.
The official synopsis for Season 4 reads:
“Based on Elena Ferrante’s bestselling novels, My Brilliant Friend follows Elena Greco and her pivotal friend, Raffaella ‘Lila’ Cerullo. After their childhood in 1950s Naples, their story spans over 60 years, revealing the enigmatic nature of Lila—Elena’s brilliant best friend and, at times, her greatest rival. The fourth season, titled The Story of the Lost Child, explores their adult lives as they navigate the late 1980s Italy, facing personal and societal challenges.”
The new season introduces Alba Rohrwacher as the adult Elena (Lenù), a role she previously narrated, and Irene Maiorino as Lila. Fabrizio Gifuni steps into the role of Nino Sarratore, a political writer who has been a significant figure in the friends’ lives.
The series is set in Naples and is directed by Laura Bispuri, known for Sworn Virgin and Daughter of Mine. Saverio Costanzo, the creator of the show, is the executive producer. He directed much of the first two seasons, while Alice Rohrwacher directed key episodes in Season 3. Daniele Luchetti directed Season 3, and Costanzo has since focused on feature films, with his latest, Finally Dawn, premiering in Venice.
My Brilliant Friend Season 4 will premiere on HBO and Max on September 9.
