August Vacation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.