Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Life Ahead (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Madam Rosa, an elderly former prostitute and a survivor of the Holocaust, opens her home in the vibrant Italian port city of Bari, Apulia, to care for the children of other working women. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Momo, a 12-year-old orphaned Senegalese immigrant, robs her. After this incident, Dr. Coen, Babak Karimi, who serves as Momo’s foster guardian and also Rosa’s physician, intervenes by returning her stolen belongings and insisting that the boy apologize. In a twist of fate, Dr. Coen offers Rosa financial support to take Momo under her wing for a few months, to which she begrudgingly agrees.
Momo, having faced expulsion from school for an incident involving a classmate, is entangled in the drug trade, working for a dealer in the area. However, with Rosa’s guidance, he finds legitimate work thanks to Hamil, a compassionate Muslim shopkeeper. Throughout their struggles, the supportive adults in Rosa’s life, including her neighbor and friend Lola, a transgender prostitute who helps care for her daughter, rally around Momo and Rosa. As Rosa begins to grapple with her mental decline, fluctuating between periods of lucidity and catatonia, their connection deepens.
As Rosa’s primary ward, Momo decides to abandon his dangerous lifestyle and commits to caring for her. With her health deteriorating, Rosa makes Momo promise to keep her out of hospitals, haunted by her traumatic past during her time at Auschwitz. Momo, loyal to his word, does everything he can to protect her, even sneaking her out at night to hide in a basement storage room where she feels secure. The bond between them grows stronger as Momo nurtures Rosa until the end. Tragically, after a severe episode, she passes away, revealing their secret to Lola, who finally discovers the truth. The film poignantly concludes with Rosa’s funeral, a testament to the powerful connection forged between two lost souls.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Life Ahead (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Madam Rosa's Caring Home
In the vibrant Italian port city of Bari, Madam Rosa, an elderly former prostitute and Holocaust survivor, opens her home to care for the children of working women. Her heartwarming initiative reflects her resilience and desire to help others in need despite her traumatic past.
Momo's Theft
Rosa's life changes dramatically when Momo, a 12-year-old orphaned Senegalese immigrant, robs her. This unexpected incident sets off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives and their understanding of one another.
Dr. Coen's Intervention
Dr. Coen, Momo's foster guardian and Rosa's physician, intervenes after the robbery by returning Rosa's stolen belongings. He insists that Momo apologize, which becomes a crucial step towards their eventual bond.
Financial Support Offered
Seeing the potential for change, Dr. Coen offers Rosa financial support to take Momo in for a few months. Though she initially hesitates, Rosa begrudgingly agrees, marking the beginning of their intertwined destinies.
Momo's School Expulsion
Momo faces expulsion from school after a complicated incident with a classmate, pushing him deeper into the underbelly of the drug trade. This moment highlights the challenges he faces as a young immigrant and the influence of his environment.
Finding Legitimate Work
After connecting with Rosa, Momo meets Hamil, a kind-hearted Muslim shopkeeper who helps him find honest work. This turning point inspires hope and direction amidst his tumultuous life choices.
Support from Friends
Rosa's friends, including her neighbor Lola, a transgender prostitute, rally around them to offer support. This supportive community serves as a backdrop to Rosa and Momo's developing relationship.
Rosa's Mental Decline
As Rosa begins to experience mental decline, her health fluctuates between periods of lucidity and catatonia. This decline adds depth to their emotional bond as Momo learns to navigate Rosa's needs.
Momo's Promise
Amidst her deteriorating health, Rosa makes Momo promise to keep her out of hospitals, reflecting her deep-seated fears from her past during the Holocaust. This promise strengthens Momo's commitment to protecting her at all costs.
Sneaking Rosa to Safety
To honor his promise, Momo sneaks Rosa out at night to hide her in a basement storage room where she feels secure. This act of loyalty showcases their growing bond and Momo's dedication to her well-being.
Growing Closer
As Momo nurtures Rosa during her decline, a profound bond forms between the two. Their relationship evolves from mere caretaker and wards to one of mutual love and reliance.
Rosa's Passing
Tragically, after a severe episode, Rosa passes away unexpectedly. This moment leaves Momo grieving and marks the end of a significant chapter in both their lives.
Truth Revealed to Lola
Following Rosa's death, Lola discovers the secret of their deep connection. This revelation signifies the collapse of barriers that once separated their lives.
Rosa's Funeral
The film poignantly concludes with Rosa's funeral, highlighting the powerful connection forged between two lost souls. The ceremony serves as a testament to their shared experiences and enduring bond.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Life Ahead (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Madam Rosa
Madam Rosa is a resilient elderly woman who embodies both strength and vulnerability. A survivor of great trauma from her past, she initially seems hardened by her experiences but shows deep compassion towards Momo. As her health deteriorates, her dependence on Momo transforms their bond into a tale of mutual care and love.
Momo
Momo is a 12-year-old orphan who has faced a tumultuous upbringing, leading him to crime and conflict. Beneath his tough exterior lies a longing for belonging and care, which he finds unexpectedly in Rosa. His character development showcases his transition from a troubled youth to a devoted caregiver, which redefines his identity.
Dr. Coen
Dr. Coen is a compassionate physician who plays a crucial role in linking Rosa and Momo. As Momo's foster guardian, he acts as a bridge to help integrate Momo into a nurturing environment despite the boy's rebellious nature. His commitment to Rosa's well-being illustrates his dedication as a supportive ally.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Life Ahead (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as immigration, poverty, and the bonds formed across cultural divides. The film navigates the complexities of human relationships and survival in a changing world.
Location
Bari, Apulia
Bari is a vibrant port city located in the Apulia region of Italy. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, the city serves as a hub for trade and interaction among diverse communities. Its lively streets and warm Mediterranean climate enhance the personal stories that unfold within its neighborhoods.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Life Ahead (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🕊️
Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to the relationship between Rosa and Momo. Both characters seek solace and new beginnings amidst their troubled pasts. Rosa, confronting her trauma, finds purpose in nurturing Momo, while he learns to shed his dangerous lifestyle, illustrating how connection can lead to healing.
🤝
Compassion
Compassion is palpably woven throughout the narrative, as characters band together to support one another against hardship. Rosa's instinct to care for Momo and the solidarity exhibited by her friends highlight the importance of community and empathy in overcoming adversity.
⚖️
Struggle
Struggle is a recurring motif as both Rosa and Momo navigate their difficult circumstances. Rosa deals with her mental decline and the shadows of her past, while Momo battles the temptations of an illicit lifestyle. Their journey reflects the broader challenges of marginalized individuals striving for a better life.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.