AllMovie

The conclusion of this Italian drama remains inconclusive as it paints a gray portrait of a troubled marriage. Enrico, a Milanese management consultant, is deeply troubled by his friend's recent suicide. He blames himself for not helping when his friend came to him in need. Enrico's guilt leads him to help out Aghim, an Albanian immigrant, by providing him a small apartment next to his own, and by finding Aghim a job. Enrico's wife Anna is depressed about her failed career as a concert pianist, and her aging body. Her suspicions that Enrico is having an affair also weighs heavily upon her mind. When Enrico has Aghim move in next door, Anna is at first irritated by Aghim, but her feelings soon turn to affection while Enrico's pity quickly turns into resentment for the interloper in his marriage.