The Hand of God

In the sun-kissed streets of Naples in 1984, Fabietto Schisa's idyllic youth is beset by turmoil as his family's tranquil existence is disrupted by the trials and tribulations of those around him. The patriarchal figure Saverio's infidelity cuts deep, while Marchino's faltering acting career and Patrizia's struggles with her abusive husband create a sense of unease. Amidst this maelstrom, Fabietto finds solace in the unifying power of Diego Maradona's arrival at Napoli, as his parents' love for their son and each other momentarily eclipses the chaos.

As the family's dynamics continue to shift, they embark on a new chapter by purchasing a villa in Roccaraso, where they plan to spend quality time together. However, Fabietto's decision to prioritize a Napoli-Empoli match over his parents' company proves to be a fateful one, as tragedy strikes when Saverio and Maria succumb to a carbon monoxide leak at the villa. The loss is devastating, and Fabietto is left grappling with survivor's guilt and the crushing weight of their passing.

The void left by his parents' death is further compounded by the hospitalization of Aunt Patrizia, who shares with Fabietto her harrowing story of abuse and miraculous pregnancy, only to be struck by a miscarriage. This shared trauma sparks within Fabietto a desire to break free from the constraints of Naples and forge a new path in Rome.

As he navigates this newfound sense of purpose, Fabietto becomes increasingly enamored with the world of cinematography, inspired by his encounters with Baroness Focale, who empathizes with his struggles, and Armando, a smuggler with connections to Neapolitan crime. Meanwhile, his relationships with Marchino and Daniela begin to fray, as the former's avoidance of the future and the latter's revelation about their father's infidelity create tension.

Fabietto's fascination with cinema culminates in a chance encounter with director Antonio Capuano, who critiques Yulia's performance before offering Fabietto words of wisdom: embracing the stories of Naples rather than fleeing from its pain. This counsel resonates deeply as Napoli wins its first league title, prompting Fabietto to make a crucial decision about his future.

As he departs Naples for Rome, Fabietto is met with an eerie reminder of his parents' affectionate whistle at a desolate train station, where he encounters a mysterious "munaciello" that seems to echo the love and warmth they once shared.