At 22, Deva Cassel has stepped firmly into her own spotlight. On 17 October she walked the red carpet at the 21st Rome Film Festival for the world premiere of Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, the first film in which she plays the lead. Vanity Fair Italia caught up with her in Rome, and what came across was a young actress far more interested in the work than in her famous surname.
A Phantom for a new generation
Directed by Alexandre Castagnetti and shown in the festival’s Grand Public section, the film moves Gaston Leroux’s classic story to present-day Paris. According to the festival programme, Cassel plays Anastasia, a young dancer who joins the Opéra and, while rehearsing a cursed work said to have been written by the Phantom himself, falls for a mysterious pianist. Romain Duris, Julien de Saint-Jean and Laïka Blanc-Francard complete the cast. In Italy the film is called L’amore immortale and will reach cinemas through 01 Distribution; the Italian film site Like in a Movie reports a French release on 28 October.
The role demanded serious preparation. Cassel had never trained in dance, so she spent around three months in a ballet studio before filming, working from morning until early evening most days of the week. She told reporters that the film had opened enormous, almost magical doors for her.
Love, family and a life of her own
Asked about love, the theme at the heart of the film, she took her time. For her, she said, love is about listening and patience, and she recalled something her parents, Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, have always told her: the real gift in a relationship is not being loved but loving. Her father’s advice for the festival was simply to enjoy it and to call him if anything went wrong. Of her mother she said they are two distinct women, each with her own identity and path. She added that she is working hard to build her independence, and that she is writing a memoir about her twenties.
Her red carpet look matched the film’s mood. The Italian site Whoopsee described a long, fitted black gown that sparkled under the lights, with thin straps, a deep V-neckline and floral detailing at the side. A black dress like that is the perfect canvas for one bright accent. If you are planning an evening look of your own, a pair of statement topaz earrings, a fine piece from our pendant necklaces or a coordinated choice from our jewellery sets would add that touch of light. Browse all our earrings for more ideas.
Sources: Vanity Fair Italia (18 October 2026); Rome Film Fest 2026 official programme; Like in a Movie (18 October 2026); Sky TG24 (17 October 2026); Whoopsee (17 October 2026). Featured photo: Budgeron Bach via Pexels.
