Two Souls Bound by Impulse: The Cinematic Poetry of Valentino’s “Vendetta”

Summary

Romain Gavras directs Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård in a 35mm campaign film for Valentino Beauty's newest fragrance, Vendetta.Vendetta is made up of two scents: the tuberose-driven "Vendetta Donna" alongside the ginger and cinnamon-based "Vendetta Uomo."

Valentino Beauty unveils a magnetic return to passion with its new prestige fragrance duo, Vendetta, brought to life in a campaign film starring Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård.

Directed by Romain Gavras and photographed by Inez & Vinoodh, the cinematic narrative unfolds on 35mm film as an intimate, instinctive escape set against the driving rhythms of Pet Shop Boys’ "It’s a Sin." Set between sunlit highways and hushed, shadowed interiors, Johnson and Skarsgård embody two rebellious souls bound by an undeniable energy, orbiting one another in a shared pursuit of freedom.

Throughout the film, Valentino's signature red weaves through key visual moments - from flowing dresses to subtle gestures - acting as a visceral symbol of sensuality, intensity, and the tension of what is yet to unfold. The duo expresses this passion through two distinct olfactory signatures. "Vendetta Donna," composed by Dominique Ropion and Andrew Everett, is a floral gourmand woody scent centering on a luminous, carnal Tuberose Osmobloom™. It opens with a burst of juicy red orange nectar before settling into a warm, lingering sandalwood base.

Its counterpart, "Vendetta Uomo", crafted by Marie Salamagne, is a woody spicy gourmand built on textural contrasts. Opening with a shot of Peruvian ginger CO2 extract and fresh Italian citrus, the scent unfolds into an addictive heart of cinnamon liquor before anchoring itself in structured patchouli and carnal woods.

Matching the intensity of the scent narrative, the bottle design captures pure couture architecture. Sculpted with a bold graphic "V" motif integrated into the glass silhouette, each vessel features a pleated cap inspired by the delicate fabric folds of Valentino garments. The deep crimson juice of "Vendetta Donna" and the rich cognac amber of "Vendetta Uomo" glow through the structured glass, visually completing the story of magnetic connection.

The new fragrances are available via Valentino Beauty's website and boutiques. Watch the campaign film starring Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård below.

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