The Tearsmith is a 2024 Italian teen romance film directed by Alessandro Genovesi, adapted from Erin Doom’s bestselling 2021 novel of the same name. The story follows Nica Dover, an eight-year-old girl who becomes an orphan after her parents die in a car accident. She is sent to the oppressive Sunnycreek Orphanage, where she befriends another girl named Adeline.
Years later, as a teenager, Nica is adopted by Anna and Norman Milligan. The Milligans also adopt Rigel Wilde, a moody and enigmatic teenager who was the favorite of the orphanage’s abusive headmistress, Margaret Stoker.
Upon moving into their new home, Rigel exhibits hostility toward Nica. Flashbacks reveal that at Sunnycreek, all children except Rigel suffered physical and emotional abuse from Margaret. At their new school, Nica receives a black rose during Garden Day, symbolizing a tormented and obsessive love; Rigel denies involvement. When a fellow student, Lionel, shows interest in Nica and later attempts to assault her, Rigel intervenes, leading to a confrontation that results in Rigel falling into a coma.
During his hospitalization, Margaret gains custody of Rigel and blames Nica for his condition. Determined to protect herself and Rigel, Nica agrees to testify against Margaret, leading to the headmistress’s conviction. Eventually, Rigel awakens from his coma, and in the future, he and Nica are happily married with a daughter.
