Journey to Italy

A sensitive, introspective partner who carries emotional weight from past experiences. Her perception and empathy clash with Alex’s brusque pragmatism, triggering misunderstandings that reveal deeper longings. She seeks connection and meaning even as the trip unsettles her sense of security.

A workaholic, brusque, and sarcastic businessman who struggles to slow down and engage with his partner. His attempts to charm or dismiss situations often fall flat, exposing vulnerability beneath a hard exterior. The Capri trip and mounting tensions force him to confront the fragility of their relationship.

The villa’s caretaker and a former British soldier, Tony carries the weight of war on his shoulders. He acts as a social hub, guiding the couple through the villa and its grounds, and his presence spurs the group toward pivotal moments in Pompeii. He is practical and watchful, a catalyst rather than a central emotional focus.

Natalie is Tony’s Italian wife who participates in the group’s excursions and adds a layer of cultural and personal perspective. Her role helps bridge the gap between the English couple and the local setting, influencing social dynamics and reactions to the events.

An old friend of the couple who reappears with her own party, triggering social entanglements and the sense of past relationships resurfacing. Her presence accelerates the couple’s introspection and the shifting dynamics within the group.

A morose figure encountered during Alex’s attempts to find companionship in Capri, representing the harsher, more transactional side of the city’s social life. Her interaction with Alex is a small but telling moment that underscores his discomfort and longing for connection.