Leonarda Cianciulli: The Disturbing True Story of the Soap-Maker of Correggio

Leonarda Cianciulli became one of Italy’s most notorious female killers—a woman remembered by history as “The Soap-Maker of Correggio.” But behind the sensational stories of soap, cakes, superstition, and murder were three women: Faustina Setti, Francesca Soavi, and Virginia Cacioppo. Each trusted Leonarda. Each was promised something better. Marriage. Work. A new beginning. And each disappeared. In this historical true-crime documentary, we follow Leonarda’s troubled early life, her obsession with protecting her children, the disappearances that eventually drew suspicion, the investigation, her extraordinary confession, and the trial that sent her into confinement. We also separate what is historically established from some of the most disturbing claims that came largely from Leonarda’s own account. And one question remains difficult to ignore: How did so much allegedly happen inside a family home without anyone realizing what was going on? This is the story of Leonarda Cianciulli—and the three women who should not be forgotten behind her infamous nickname. This documentary contains AI-generated historical reenactment imagery created for storytelling and educational purposes. Some scenes are visual interpretations and are not authentic historical photographs.