August Vacation

August Vacation

Year: 1996

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Paolo Virzì

DramaComedy

Every August, journalist Sandro, his family and friends travel to the island of Ventotene for their annual holiday. This year they discover the neighboring house is occupied by a lower‑middle‑class family whose blunt habits and conventional values quickly come into conflict with Sandro’s more intellectual, progressive outlook.

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Timeline – August Vacation (1996)

Trace every key event in August Vacation (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival at Ventotene

Two groups of vacationers arrive on the small island of Ventotene, each occupying adjoining houses. Sandro Molino's group includes artists and intellectuals, while Ruggero Mazzalupi's group comprises wealthy and traditional Roman families, setting the stage for ongoing tensions. The two groups immediately display conflicting attitudes and social differences.

Ventotene
2

Initial conflicts between groups

The first group finds the neighbors noisy and superficial, while also mocking their social pretensions. Despite their disdain, there are attempts at superficial friendship, but underlying condescension and mockery create a charged atmosphere. Tensions are heightened by cultural and class differences from the outset.

Ventotene
3

Accidental shooting and police involvement

Ruggero accidentally fires a bullet during a foolish prank, injuring an immigrant. The incident prompts Sandro to report Ruggero to the Carabinieri, leading to an official investigation. Ruggero admits his recklessness and seeks to mend fences, initiating a tense nighttime gathering.

Ventotene
4

Nighttime assembly and confrontations

During the gathering, accusations and political debates erupt among the characters, revealing personal grievances and ideologies. The evening devolves into chaos as individual feelings and conflicts override political discourse, highlighting the characters' emotional disarray.

Ventotene
5

Cecilia's pregnancy confession

As summer wanes, Cecilia confides in Sandro that she's eight weeks pregnant with his child. Sandro reacts positively, expressing his love for both Cecilia and Martina. This revelation deepens their personal connection amidst the strained group dynamics.

Ventotene
6

Mauro's accident and newfound hope

Mauro, realizing he cannot rekindle his relationship with Cecilia, gets intoxicated at the village festival, falls, and hits his head. He is taken in by a local family, who takes a liking to him, and their daughter becomes infatuated with him, offering him a new glimmer of hope.

Ventotene
7

Francesca and Marcello's friendship

Francesca, understanding she cannot win Sandro back, befriends Marcello, who is experiencing a personal crisis. Marcello feels misunderstood by his wife, and their growing friendship signifies a shift in their personal struggles.

Ventotene
8

Roberto's departure and affair

Roberto, after a night of secret passion with Marisa, leaves her abruptly and heads back to Africa. His departure underscores his transient lifestyle and the fleeting nature of his romantic entanglements on the island.

Ventotene
9

Ruggero prevents Sabrina's suicide

After falling in love with Ivan, Sabrina becomes distressed and attempts to commit suicide. Ruggero intervenes, preventing her from harming herself, which brings him emotionally closer to his wife Luciana, who has long suffered from his emotional distance.

Ventotene
10

Immigrant's expulsion

Following the incident and the media uproar, law enforcement investigates the immigrant, who is eventually expelled from the island for not complying with regulations. His departure symbolizes the social and political tensions highlighted during the summer.

Ventotene
11

Characters' farewell and departure

Most characters leave Ventotene to return home, ending the idyllic but tense summer. The only remaining character, Sabrina, tears up and shouts her love towards Ivan as the ferry departs, symbolizing hope amidst the unresolved conflicts.

Ventotene

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:16

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August Vacation Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in August Vacation

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Characters, Settings & Themes in August Vacation

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