This is the story of an elderly Neapolitan lady who, to counter that far-off date on her ID card, keeps herself in perpetual motion: Lina is full of life, highly active, she runs and coordinates a riotously funny Catholic association of bourgeois old ladies, looks after her sister and her nephew who never grew up, but above all she continues to play the old-school mum to her three sixty-something children in perpetual crisis. Whether it’s a financial, psychological or romantic crisis, Lina always finds the perfect remedy. A widow for many years, she steadfastly resists her children’s constant attempts to send her to a care home. She holds her ground, fuelled by her indomitable spirit. Every Thursday, come hell or high water, she has two rituals: the first is visiting her husband at the cemetery, the second is the inevitable scopone in the company of her sister Maria. Lina also has a suitor, Don Eduardo, the next-door neighbour of indeterminate age who never misses a chance—or a flight of fancy—to court her. Our story unfolds in an old-fashioned comic tone but, as in all the best tales, something
unexpected and dramatic happens: Lina has a sudden turn. The dash to the hospital is frantic; given her age, the worst is feared, but Lina is tough as nails and, miraculously, she rallies. Now, however, she cannot be left alone and must choose between going to a care home or relying on a caregiver. After a proper round of casting, Amilà is chosen, a woman from Sri Lanka of around fifty. Although the Sri Lankan community has been present and integrated in Naples for many years, Amilà does not speak the language. Her relationship with Lina doesn’t take off; there is mistrust. But another unexpected event will change the fate of the elderly lady of the house: no longer able to bear the hostility of Lina and her children, Amilà snaps. She pours out all her resentment and sorrow… in pure, perfect Neapolitan dialect. Everyone is wrong-footed; Lina opens her eyes, realises she has gone too far and apologises! From that moment on, a genuine, sincere bond finally forms between the two women. Lina’s health continues to decline inexorably, and Amila’ decides to take matters into her own hands. With her energy, she manages to jolt Lina’s children and make the woman feel less alone in the final stretch of her life.