Forgive Us Our Debts

Guido lives alone in a dilapidated apartment in suburban Rome, with his only companion being his eccentric neighbor, a university professor. He spends his days drinking at a local bar and secretly harbors feelings for Rina, the waitress. His life is marked by loneliness and routine.

Guido is retrenched from his technician job after his company files for bankruptcy. He then takes a low-paying warehouse job as a forklift operator but is quickly fired due to his lack of skill. He becomes increasingly overwhelmed by debt and financial instability.

Guido is assaulted by a hired thug as a result of unpaid debts owed to creditors. This violent encounter leaves him battered and illustrates the severity of his financial crisis. It deepens his sense of helplessness and desperation.

Guido approaches the credit company to find a solution for his debts. He offers to work for them without compensation as a way to settle his dues. The company's manager assigns him to Franco, a senior debt recovery agent.

Franco trains Guido in the methods of debt collection, showcasing how to pressure debtors into repayment. Franco also demonstrates his influence by offering tips and writing off debts in exchange for personal belongings of sentimental value, fueling Guido's confidence.

With some financial means, Guido starts frequenting upscale bars with Franco and seeks revenge on his former boss at the warehouse. These actions reflect his growing self-assurance, but also hint at moral ambiguities in his pursuits.

Guido takes Rina out to an elegant restaurant, but they arrive after closing. Attempting to mimic Franco, Guido tips generously to get food, but the waiter is offended. Rina perceives Guido as vulgar and leaves, feeling disappointed.

While chasing a debtor, Guido witnesses the individual jump to his death in front of him and Franco. Guido is deeply traumatized, revealing his emotional distress and vulnerability after experiencing the horror firsthand.

Guido visits a cemetery and is shocked to discover the debtor is his old friend, the university professor. Guido pleads with Franco to forgive his friend's debt, but Franco angrily refuses, emphasizing the financial cost of writing off debts.

Guido returns to his usual bar only to find that Rina has left the city, seeking a better life elsewhere. Her departure signifies a personal loss for Guido, who remains emotionally attached to her.

Franco confesses his sins alone in a church, reciting the 'Our Father' and referencing forgiveness of debts. This moment hints at his internal struggle and the moral complexities of his profession.