When you picture a graphic novel, you probably don’t think of an adoption drama. A Mosquito in the Ear is based on the Italian graphic novel Una Zanzara nell’Orecchio, created by Andrea Ferraris. The story is based on Ferrari’s own journey of adopting her daughter from India. I was curious about the title’s meaning, and the film humorously reveals it about halfway through, relating to how someone hears a language that’s unfamiliar to them. 

The film takes place in Goa, India, where an American couple, Andrew (Jake Lacy) and Daniela (Nazanin Boniadi), are excited to start their family by adopting four-year-old Sarvari (Ruhi Pal) from a Catholic Indian orphanage. They’re both excited and anxious since it’s been a long six-year journey. I know several friends who have gone through international adoption, which gives me some insight into the arduous process, but I never realized how emotionally taxing it could be for both the child and the would-be parents. I can only imagine that adopting an older child is more complex than adopting a baby, particularly when the child has already developed a deep bond with her caregivers.

Sure enough, Sarvari has a tough time leaving the only home she’s ever known, and the journey turns into a deep, chaotic challenge that tests the true essence of parenthood. Italian director Nicola Rinciari doesn’t sugarcoat the adoption journey. He doesn’t shy away from showing the struggles and emotional toll on everyone involved, while still adding in some naturally funny moments stemming from the fish-out-of-water experience.

This marks Rinciari’s debut feature film, and he also co-wrote the script with Darren Dean and Emily Dillard. The writing team has done a commendable job of not over-explaining everything to the audience. Rinciari intentionally opted not to provide English subtitles for Sarvari’s dialogue, which can be quite frustrating. However, this choice is intentional, as it allows us, the viewers, to relate to Andrew and Daniela’s confusion and disconnection. Although they begin as a united front, their marriage faces considerable strain, leading to intense and visceral arguments. While Daniela does her best to be a mom to Sarvari, Andrew seems detached and tends to give up when challenges arise. To be fair, though, both of them have much to learn and grow through this experience.

The film flips the usual savior trope on its head, where the American couple rescues a child from a poorer country for a better life. Instead, Sarvari views this change as a traumatic separation from the life she knows, hence her severe reaction in the car when they leave the orphanage. It’s realistic that Sarvari doesn’t immediately warm up to her new parents, while Andrew and Daniela quickly find themselves feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Just like raising a biological child requires years of patience and trust, where challenges are inevitable, adoptive parents should not expect instant affection from their child.

The script also highlights the couple’s flaws and lack of readiness. When Andrew talks to Sister Aruna (Micky Singh) about why Sarvari doesn’t understand she’s being adopted, her reply reflects the reality of children growing up in an orphanage. Even though the kids greet the couple with a banner that says ‘Welcome Mommy and Daddy,’ most of them have no clue what that really means. Then there’s the language barrier. For some inexplicable reason, throughout their five-plus years together, Andrew and Daniela never took the initiative to learn even simple Hindi or obtain a Hindi-English dictionary, the only language Sarvari knows. They keep repeating the same English phrases, as if that would magically enable the girl to grasp their meaning.

The performances here are great across the board. Lacy and Boniadi embody a real couple who love each other but at times seem out of sync. Although I’ve only seen both actors in supporting roles, they both have the skill and charisma for leading roles. I’m also impressed with Ruhi Pal in her first acting gig; she manages to express so much with just her eyes and gestures. 

Kudos to Rinciari for skillfully adapting this real-life drama with both warmth and poignancy. The fact that this film was shot on location in Goa really enhances the entire experience. It truly captures the authentic vibe, sights, and sounds of the area, which really come alive in several standout scenes. Given that the narrative is rooted in personal experience, there’s a remarkable emotional authenticity to the way the story unfolds. It’s also delightful to see actual family footage during the closing credits. While the title A Mosquito in the Ear may sound irritating, it turns out to be a gem of an indie film that I hope will find an audience.

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