La Notte

Giovanni and Lidia visit their seriously ill friend Tommaso Garani in a Milan hospital. Tommaso praises Giovanni's new book, while Lidia grows unsettled and leaves him alone with his pain. As Giovanni exits Tommaso's room, a sick, uninhibited young woman seduces him and they share a kiss; nurses immediately intervene and slap the patient. Outside, Giovanni sees his wife crying but does not comfort her.

Giovanni recounts the unsettling encounter to Lidia, but she remains distant and emotionally closed. They drive away in silence, and Giovanni notices her tears but does not offer solace. The moment reveals a growing rift between them.

Giovanni attends his book launch, signing copies as crowds attend. Lidia watches from a distance, presenting a quiet, strained presence amidst the public celebration. The scene underscores their fractured marriage amid professional success.

After the launch, Lidia wanders the old Milan neighborhood, trying to make sense of her life. She intervenes in a street fight and later watches rockets being set off in a nearby field, hinting at social turbulence surrounding them.

At a nightclub, Lidia and Giovanni meet again; a seductive female dancer performs and both exchange small talk. Lidia hints she has something to tell Giovanni but cannot say it yet, then suggests they leave for a party.

They head to a party hosted by Mr. Gherardini at his villa. Lidia appears bored with the guests while Giovanni socializes, hinting at the widening gulf between them.

Giovanni is drawn to Valentina Gherardini, the host's daughter, and they flirt openly. She slides a compact across the floor, drawing a crowd as others watch and bet on the exchange; Giovanni eventually bows out.

Lidia learns by phone that Tommaso has died, devastating her. Moments later, Giovanni is seen kissing Valentina on the upper floor, worsening their marital tension.

Mr. Gherardini privately offers Giovanni an executive position in his company; Giovanni is reluctant and leaves the offer open. He briefly reunites with Lidia before again being drawn to Valentina.

As a sudden rain drives guests to shelter, Lidia is approached by Roberto, a man who has been following her. He takes her to his car and they drive off; she enjoys the conversation but resists his kiss.

Valentina invites Lidia to dry off in her room, and the two women chat while Giovanni overhears Lidia confess she wants to die. The moment amplifies the tension between them and sets up the forthcoming confrontation.

Lidia and Giovanni leave the party at dawn, walking across Mr. Gherardini's private golf course as the day begins. The distance between them remains palpable as they move away from the villa.

On the golf course, Lidia tells Giovanni about Tommaso's death and explains that she no longer loves Giovanni. He reaffirms his love, and she reads a love letter Giovanni wrote to her before their marriage, intensifying the emotional tension.

Giovanni embraces and kisses Lidia, but she resists the idea that they are still in love. He continues to kiss and fondle her in a golf course bunker as dawn approaches, leaving their future unresolved.