Paolo Sorrentino's latest film “Partenope” is getting mixed reviews because of its sexual scenes, AP reports. Sorrentino's recordings are dedicated to Saint Gennaro.

In 2016, the series The Young Pope, also directed by Paolo Sorrentino, received a reluctant blessing due to its controversial depiction of an imaginary pope. But now, “Partenope” has become the target of criticism. The result has been a surge in interest in the film, which has topped the box office in Italy since its release last month.

Filmed in Sorrentino's hometown of Naples, Parthenope is an adaptation of the Hellenic myth about the mermaid Parthenope, who threw herself into the sea after failing to charm Odysseus with her song. Parthenope is associated with Naples – one of the names of the city is Parthenope, and its inhabitants are called Parthenopeans.

At the end of the film, a provocative scene involving the cardinal and the temptress Parthenope is revealed to have disgraced not only the faithful, but also the city of Naples itself.

Sorrentino's previous film, The Hand of God, was also set in Naples and dedicated to another local icon, Maradona.

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