I'm Not Scared

The film is set in 1978 in the fictitious town of Acqua Traverse, Southern Italy. This summer is one of the hottest on record, and the backdrop includes the socio-political turmoil of the Years of Lead.

Nine-year-old Michele Amitrano and his friends embark on a race across parched wheat fields. They aim to reach an isolated farmhouse, showcasing their childhood camaraderie and the thrill of adventure.

During their race, Michele's sister trips and breaks her glasses, prompting Michele to rush back to comfort her. His tender act emphasizes his protective nature and sibling bond.

Upon reaching the farmhouse, Michele and his sister arrive last and face a forfeit. Rather than punishing them, the group leader, Skull, chooses another girl to undress, but Michele bravely accepts the punishment.

While returning home, Michele searches for his sister's broken glasses and uncovers a hole covered with metal. His shock increases as he reveals a part of a bare human leg, sparking feelings of horror and fear.

The next day, curiosity leads Michele to throw stones into the hole, resulting in a frightening encounter with a zombie-like boy who emerges from it. Scared, Michele flees from the scene, deepening his intrigue.

Michele's empathy drives him to return to the boy, who is revealed to be alive but in a weak state. He begins bringing food and water, showcasing a growing friendship despite the grave risks involved.

Michele watches a news report about a kidnapped boy named Filippo and realizes the boy he found resembles him. Overhearing his parents leads to the shocking discovery that his father is involved in the kidnapping.

Michele visits Filippo, revealing his identity and sharing a message from his mother. They bond through shared moments of freedom, but the dark reality of their situation and the father's involvement weighs heavily on Michele.

Michele shares his secret with his best friend, Salvatore, who betrays him. When Skull's older brother catches Michele, the tension escalates, risking the safety of both Michele and Filippo.

Upon learning about Michele's encounters, his mother defends him, while his father threatens him to stay away from Filippo. This conflict illustrates the differing parental responses in a trying situation.

The group leads a search back to the farmhouse, where they find the hole empty and Filippo missing. Feeling betrayed, Salvatore offers to reveal Filippo's location in exchange for forgiveness from Michele.

Michele races against time to save Filippo after overhearing discussions about the boy’s precarious situation. He bravely ventures to the cave where Filippo is held captive, determined to rescue him.

As Michele helps Filippo escape, the confrontation escalates when Michele's father arrives unexpectedly. In a tragic moment, he accidentally injures Michele while trying to protect him.

Michele is carried away by his father, seeking medical help, while helicopters arrive to apprehend the kidnappers. The film concludes on an emotional note with Filippo expressing gratitude to Michele, solidifying their bond.