All Screwed Up

Gino and Carletto, two young men from the countryside, arrive in Milan seeking a better life. They quickly meet a young woman, Adelina, who is also new and upset because she cannot find her cousin Isotta. The men help her locate Isotta, and they plan to meet again.

Gino and Carletto find work in factories, starting their new life in the city. Adelina is taken in by Isotta and learns to work as a maid from her resourceful friend Biki. The group begins to settle into their new urban environment.

They all move into an apartment that once belonged to an artist who committed suicide. The space becomes their shared home, reflecting their integration into Milanese urban life and their economic struggles.

They are joined by Sante and his pregnant girlfriend Mariuccia, who initially say they will stay only a few weeks. When Mariuccia gives birth to twins, the group remains together, increasing their household and financial pressures.

Adelina, a traditional Sicilian girl, insists on remaining chaste despite her urban lifestyle and growing independence. Carletto proposes, but she suggests he should find a better job before they marry.

Carletto secures a better job working in a restaurant. He proposes to Adelina again, but she declines marriage for financial reasons, preferring to save money to open a small shop in the future.

Gino falls in with a petty crook and begins working as a burglar, ashamed of his actions. He lies to Carletto about working independently, concealing his criminal activities from his friend.

A friend advises Carletto that forcing himself on Adelina is the only way to be with her. Carletto commits sexual assault in the kitchen, leading to complex feelings and conflicts regarding their relationship.

Despite her initial satisfaction, Adelina refuses to continue a sexual relationship with Carletto, citing financial reasons. The group faces economic hardships, and Adelina worries about her cousin Isotta, who secretly works as a prostitute to send money home.

Sante becomes desperate over his pregnant wife Mariuccia’s repeated pregnancies and gets involved with fascists. He is arrested as part of a plot where he is made the fall guy after a man is killed, leaving the group shocked.

Gino admits to Carletto that he is a burglar with a criminal record and cannot get involved with the police. His confession creates further tension and reveals his internal conflict about his lifestyle.

Carletto briefly considers moving away from Milan to start anew, reminiscing about his past and the possibilities of a different life. However, his plans are interrupted when he is called back to work, anchoring him to his current circumstances.