Anna, a young woman in Milan, is trapped in a loveless marriage to Alessio. As a couple, they function well, but one can see Anna is far from being happy in her present surroundings. One day, at an office party at the small insurance agency where she works, she spots a handsome waiter, Domenico, who is the opposite of what Alessio is not. Anna, for better, or worse, makes a tactical mistake in asking Domenico to join her for a friendly drink.
Almost missing the opportunity to talk to Domenico, they have a brief chat where they agree to get another chance. Anna is stuck in that she does not have anywhere to take Domenico, something that also puts a burden on him. He is married and things at home with his wife Miriam, is not exactly a happy one, complicated by the fact they have two children and money is tight. Domenico, who appears to be new to any extra marital sessions, must use money that is badly needed in his household to buy four hours in a couples motel.
Once smitten, Domenico and Anna experience a sexual encounter like they have not had in memory. Anna cannot get enough, and neither does Domenico. The result is a series of trysts where both must lie about the reasons for being late, or absent, to their married partners. Lust consume them. A week-end trip to Tunisia serves as a sobering reminder of what they have been doing and the lies they are now living. While Domenico does not want the affair to end, Anna has a different view. In the end, lust ran its course, only to leave them completely changed.
Silvio Soldini continues to amaze us with every new film he decides to give his audience. This new film solidifies him as one of the best directors from Italy. The excellent screenplay was written by Mr. Soldini in collaboration with Diorana Leondeff and Angelo Carbone. It is a story about two people that find in each other the passion that is lacking in their somewhat orderly lives. The way both lovers approach the situation will mark them for life. In a way, this film, although more explicit in its sexual context, kept remind this viewer of David Lean's masterpiece "Brief Encounter" in which two decent human beings discover in the other one a kind of soul mate that destiny denied them in real life.
Alba Rohrwacher is not a beauty to compare to anyone, yet, she is more credible and approachable than most of the Italian film goddesses of the past because the viewer can identify with her. Her Anna is a triumph in the restraint she shows, even at the height of her passionate lovemaking with Domenico. Pierfranco Favino also impresses because he is a natural for the screen. Domenico is basically a decent man who is drawn into an extra marital affair with a woman that stirs him like his own wife cannot do. Mr. Favino has the good looks the role requires.
Others in the film in supporting roles are Giuseppe Batiston, having been in other Silvio Soldini's films. His Alessio is pure kindness. One feels sorry for what is happening to him. In the end, Anna realizes she has jeopardized her marriage by her own recklessness. Teresa Saponangelo, Fabio Troiano, Tatiana Lepore, and Monica Nappo are seen in supporting roles.
The film shows us an unglamorous Milan, captured in vivid detail by Ramiro Civita who has a distinguished career photographing projects all over the map. Giovanni Venosta contributed the musical score. Silvio Soldini brings it all together in a film that adds luster to his career.