Delia (Paola Cortellesi) is the wife of Ivano and mother of three. Wife and mother. She finds it only natural that these two roles define her. It is the mid-1940s in Rome, and this is an ordinary family living in a city that struggles to find a balance between the positive momentum triggered by the Liberation and the misery the war left in its aftermath.
Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea) is the undisputed master of the family. He makes barely enough, but he works hard to keep a roof over their heads and feels entitled to remind everyone of who is the breadwinner in the household. Sometimes just with nasty words, some others with the aid of his belt.
His cranky father, Ottorino (Giorgio Colangeli,) is the only person he respects. The spiteful elder needs round-the-clock care, and Delia is the only one to provide it. The highlight of her day is the time spent with her confidant and dear friend, Marisa (Emanuela Fanelli.)
Come springtime, the family is excited about the imminent engagement of their beloved firstborn, Marcella (Romana Maggiora Vergano,) to her middle-class boyfriend, Giulio (Francesco Centorame.) Little do they know that the girl's greatest hope is to marry fast and finally break free.
Delia sees a suitable wedding for her daughter as a life goal. Until one day, a mysterious letter arrives and fires up her courage to overturn all plans and start wishing for a better life, not only for herself.
