1984 was a very fertile year for the province of Reggio Emilia. Young Elia is working in the heat gathering ripe grapes and thinking about his future, which is still connected with a peaceful rural life that moves lazily to the rhythm of the summer weather. He doesn't even notice the quiet disputes of his parents anymore. His father, Claudio, is an avid supporter of Marxism, while his wife Maddalena is fully committed to Christ. In a short time Elia's life issues become true sorrows: the beautiful and experienced Emilia comes to their house and thus significantly disrupts his quiet contemplations about his own fate.