Criature on Netflix from October 5th

Criature arrives on Netflix on October 5, 2026. The 2024 Italian drama directed by Cécile Allegra and starring Marco D'Amore lands on streaming after its theatrical release on December 5, 2024 by Medusa Film.

Set in Naples , the film tells a story inspired by true events and transforms the theme of school dropout into a tale of redemption. A different title from the usual October releases on the platform, closer to professional cinema than pure entertainment.

The plot of Criature

The protagonist is Mimmo Sannino , a former teacher turned street educator in Naples. His goal is to bring dropouts back into the classroom, guiding them through middle school.

To gain their trust, she uses unconventional tools: stilts , games, a red nose , and circus acts . With the help of her social worker, Anna tries to build an alternative to the neighborhood's degradation and crime, but the project encounters mistrust from the families and resistance from local bosses.

Inspired by a true story

Director Cécile Allegra , a documentary filmmaker, didn't invent the story: she drew inspiration from Giovanni Savino , an educator and founder of the Iqbal Carpet project in the Barra neighborhood of Naples. The approach is based on circus pedagogy and peer-to-peer learning.

Hence the title: the criature are the kids , teenagers who learned too early to fend for themselves and who must find a reason to come to class. Before class, in short, it's important to rebuild a bond.

The cast of the film

Marco D'Amore plays Mimmo Sannino , while Marianna Fontana is Anna , the social worker who supports his method. Here are the main roles:

• Marco D'Amore — Mimmo Sannino.
• Marianne Fontana — Anna.
• Maria Esposito - Margherita pizza.
• Martina Abbate — Daniela.
• Antonio Guerra — Cyrus.
• Ciro Minopoli — Bruno.
• Alessio Gallo — Genny; Joseph Pirozzi — Salvatore.

The cast includes some familiar faces from the series: Maria Esposito , seen as Rosa Ricci in Mare Fuori , and Antonio Guerra , previously in Mixed by Erry . The film runs 101 minutes.

An ensemble film about kids

The heart of the story is the stories of individual teenagers. Margherita dropped out of school to become a hairdresser, Daniela sells at her father's stall, Ciro grew up with his brother, and Bruno , the son of a local crime boss, is passionate about parkour . Each brings a piece of their neighborhood with them.

The film alternates moments of lightheartedness—circus acts, readings, rehearsals—with more sobering scenes, relating to crime and the mistrust of families. The result is a choral fresco , in which change never comes from a heroic gesture, but from small, everyday victories.

Why see it?

Criature combines real-life cinema with elements of magical realism , with a careful look at Naples and its complexity. It's not a film about crime, but about the possibility of changing direction: the circus becomes a pretext for discussing trust, education, and the future.

Practical advice: This is a suitable viewing option for those looking for an Italian social drama, far removed from the usual crime news tone. To help you navigate this month's releases, check out the guides to Netflix releases in July 2026 and August 2026.

How to watch it on Netflix

The film will be available to all subscribers from October 5, 2026 , in Italian . For those without a subscription, legal alternatives are summarized in the guide on how to legally stream movies and series for free.

FAQ

When does Criature arrive on Netflix in Italy?

It arrives on Netflix on October 5, 2026 , following its theatrical release on December 5, 2024.

Who directed the film and who produced it?

Directed by documentary filmmaker Cécile Allegra , the film is distributed by Medusa Film and is inspired by the figure of educator Giovanni Savino.

What is the movie Criature about and where is it set?

It tells the story of Mimmo Sannino , a street educator in Naples who uses circus arts to bring dropout kids back to school.

Who are the main characters in this film?

Marco D'Amore plays Mimmo, Marianna Fontana is Anna, Maria Esposito is Margherita, and Antonio Guerra is Ciro. The film runs 101 minutes.