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Plot Summary

Loro (2019) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 158 min · Italian
Echo score 70
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Directed by
Paolo Sorrentino
Starring
Kasia Smutniak, Anna Bonaiuto, Dario Cantarelli, Elena Sofia Ricci, Euridice Axen, Fabrizio Bentivoglio
Budget
$21M

During the 2000s in Italy, the controversial Silvio Berlusconi held significant power, navigating a world of excess, scandal, and corruption. A resourceful young man named Sergio sees a chance to advance his own position by ingratiating himself with the former Prime Minister. He becomes entangled in Berlusconi’s complex and morally ambiguous inner circle, witnessing firsthand the excesses and intrigues that define his reign.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Loro
  6. 6 Every angle
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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Loro: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Loro (2019) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

In the sun-drenched city of Taranto, Sergio Morra (Riccardo Scamarcio) runs a secretive operation, wielding his influence to bribe local officials and secure valuable licenses for his ventures. His partner in this underworld escapade is Tamara (Euridice Axen), a fearless and unapologetic spirit who wholeheartedly supports Sergio's illicit pursuits. With their eyes set on the illustrious city of Rome, Sergio's ambitions skyrocket as he endeavors to gain favor with the notorious Silvio Berlusconi (Toni Servillo).

Upon their arrival in the bustling capital, Sergio encounters Kira (Kasia Smutniak), an enigmatic character directly linked to Berlusconi, often referred to as the "Queen Bee." Meanwhile, Tamara finds herself drawn to former minister Santino Recchia (Fabrizio Bentivoglio), a seasoned politician with his own aspirations. Through her irresistible charm, she orchestrates a meeting between Sergio and Berlusconi to further their mutual interests.

As the tension heats up, Recchia confides in deputy Cupa Caiafa (Anna Bonaiuto) about his strategies to unseat Berlusconi as the head of the center-right coalition. Seizing a golden opportunity, Sergio decides to showcase his enterprise by renting an extravagant villa in Sardinia, conveniently located a stone's throw from Berlusconi's summer hideaway.

However, amid this backdrop, Berlusconi grapples with his own set of challenges. Alone with his wife Veronica Lario (Elena Sofia Ricci), he attempts to revive their once-passionate romance, only to be met with her frosty rejection. The once-dominant Forza Italia party has seen better days, leaving Berlusconi with no official responsibilities to occupy his time.

One day, as tensions mount, Recchia knocks on Berlusconi's door, desperate for assistance as Tamara blackmails him, demanding a hefty sum for Sergio to keep her quiet about Recchia's extramarital affairs. Although initially cooperative, Berlusconi's mood darkens as he reveals his awareness of Recchia's treacherous intention to overthrow him.

Caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal, Berlusconi departs for Rome under the guise of urgent "political commitments." In truth, he is attending a major fashion event featuring the vibrant Noemi Letizia, a young woman known for her adventurous spirit. As the complexities of corruption and deception deepen, one thing remains clear – the stakes have never been higher.

When the stormy weather clears, Berlusconi finds himself back on his Sardinian yacht, where Veronica whimsically suggests a return to television alongside Mike Bongiorno. Yet, his attention is diverted by the sight of Morra's boat, lavishly decorated with naked beauties. Instead of yielding to temptation, he opts for a leisurely excursion with Veronica, cherishing the tranquility as they navigate through choppy waters. Upon their return to the villa, she questions him about their wedding song. In a moment of pretense, he feigns forgetfulness but ultimately surprises her by inviting Fabio Concato to perform the nostalgic "Una domenica bestiale," a sweet reminder of their cherished day.

Meanwhile, old friend and business mogul Ennio Doris spins tales of riches and success, yet Berlusconi is haunted by images of his recent electoral defeat. Ennio proposes a daring scheme to sway six senators to his side, potentially unseating the center-left government. Amid this political turmoil, Veronica prepares for a trip to Cambodia, leaving Berlusconi feeling momentarily abandoned.

Seizing the moment, Berlusconi throws an extravagant party at his Sardinian estate and invites Sergio Morra to bring an entourage of beautiful women. Although initially captivated by the attention, Morra's companions soon grow disillusioned as reality falls short of their expectations. Kira, striving to catch Berlusconi's eye, soon finds herself overshadowed by the charms of Sergio and Tamara.

In an unexpected twist, Berlusconi develops an interest in a youthful beauty named Stella, but his advances are met with rejection, leaving him frustrated. As Kira feels sidelined, both she and Sergio realize their alignment with Berlusconi leads to disillusionment. As the festivities wind down, the partygoers depart, leaving a trail of unfulfilled ambitions behind, prompting Berlusconi to reflect on the ephemeral pleasures of his lifestyle.

As Silvio Berlusconi returns to the position of prime minister, he faces the daunting task of addressing the devastating fallout from the L'Aquila earthquake. In a show of empathy, he personally visits displaced families, boldly promising to rebuild their lives. However, his antics in the international arena continue to bring shame upon Italy's leadership, prompting his trusted advisor, Crepuscolo, to press for a more serious approach to governance. As he prepares for a crucial visit to New York City and the United Nations, Berlusconi’s focus shifts as he reroutes to Naples for a romantic rendezvous on Noemi Letizia’s 18th birthday.

With the media relentless in exposing his reckless lifestyle, political allies like Cupa Caiafa begin to distance themselves. Amidst this turmoil, Veronica returns from Cambodia and declares her intent to divorce, igniting a fierce confrontation between the couple. Feeling increasingly isolated, Berlusconi seeks refuge with Mike Bongiorno over a lavish dinner, yet even this encounter ends abruptly.

As the crisis in L'Aquila persists, the injured refugees begin to receive new homes, thanks to Berlusconi's efforts. Firefighters work diligently to recover a cherished statue of Jesus Christ from the rubble of a devastated church, highlighting the continuing struggles faced by those affected by the earthquake. As the film draws to a close, the camera lingers on the exhausted faces of the firefighters after a long day of hard work, leaving viewers to ponder the weight of their sacrifices amidst a chaotic political landscape.

Last updated: November 22, 2024 at 19:08

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Plot questions answered

Loro Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Loro (2019): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Sergio Morra want to meet Silvio Berlusconi?

Sergio Morra is an ambitious businessman from Taranto who uses bribery to secure licenses and influence local officials. He sees aligning with Berlusconi as his opportunity to expand from local corruption to national power and wealth. Through Tamara's connections with former minister Santino Recchia, Sergio orchestrates a meeting to insert himself into Berlusconi's inner circle.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes establish Sergio's secretive operations in Taranto, showing his hunger for bigger opportunities.

  • sergio morra
  • berlusconi
  • ambition
  • taranto
  • corruption
Q2

Why does Veronica Lario reject Berlusconi's advances?

Veronica Lario, Berlusconi's wife, rejects his attempts to rekindle their romance because their marriage has become hollow. The film shows she is aware of his countless extramarital affairs and public scandals. Her frosty rejection reflects the deep emotional distance between them, stemming from Berlusconi's lifestyle of sexual exploitation and political corruption.

Foreshadowing: The film's tone establishes Berlusconi's womanizing reputation early through descriptions of his extravagant parties.

  • veronica lario
  • berlusconi
  • marriage
  • divorce
  • rejection
Q3

What is Santino Recchia planning against Silvio Berlusconi?

Santino Recchia, a former minister, is conspiring to unseat Berlusconi as head of the center-right coalition. He confides in deputy Cupa Caiafa about his strategy to overthrow Berlusconi. However, when Tamara blackmails him about his extramarital affairs, he desperately turns to Berlusconi for help, revealing his treachery.

Foreshadowing: Recchia's conversations with Cupa Caiafa early in the film hint at his political ambition.

  • santino recchia
  • berlusconi
  • conspiracy
  • coalition
  • politics
Q4

Why does Berlusconi attend Noemi Letizia's fashion event?

Berlusconi uses the excuse of urgent "political commitments" to travel to Rome, but he actually attends a major fashion event featuring Noemi Letizia, a young woman known for her adventurous spirit. This demonstrates how Berlusconi prioritizes personal pleasure over political duties, using his power to pursue romantic encounters far from his responsibilities.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes Berlusconi's pattern of using political cover for personal pursuits.

  • noemi letizia
  • berlusconi
  • fashion event
  • rome
  • scandal
Q5

What is Berlusconi's response to the L'Aquila earthquake?

When the devastating L'Aquila earthquake strikes, Berlusconi, now returned as Prime Minister, visits the displaced families and promises to rebuild their lives. While his participation in the rebuilding efforts is shown, the film contrasts this with his continued reckless behavior in his personal life, highlighting the contradictions in his leadership.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes Berlusconi's pattern of promising solutions while remaining distracted by scandals.

  • l'aquila
  • earthquake
  • berlusconi
  • disaster
  • rebuilding
Q6

Why does Veronica Lario decide to divorce Berlusconi?

After returning from Cambodia, Veronica Lario declares her intent to divorce Berlusconi. This decision comes after years of his public scandals, extramarital affairs, and the emotional neglect of their marriage. The confrontation between them marks the final breakdown of their relationship, leaving Berlusconi feeling increasingly isolated.

Foreshadowing: Veronica's earlier rejection of Berlusconi's romantic advances foreshadows the complete dissolution of their marriage.

  • veronica lario
  • divorce
  • cambodia
  • berlusconi
  • marriage
Q7

What is Kira's role in Berlusconi's circle?

Kira is an enigmatic woman directly linked to Berlusconi, often referred to as the "Queen Bee." She is introduced as someone who can facilitate connections within Berlusconi's world. However, at the grand party, she finds herself overshadowed by Sergio and Tamara, and like others in Berlusconi's orbit, she becomes disillusioned with the superficiality of his circle.

Foreshadowing: Kira's introduction in Rome establishes her position as a gatekeeper to Berlusconi's inner circle.

  • kira
  • queen bee
  • berlusconi
  • circle
  • disillusionment
Q8

Why do Sergio and Tamara become disillusioned with Berlusconi?

At Berlusconi's extravagant Sardinian party, Sergio and Tamara initially bask in the attention, but as the night progresses, they realize the lifestyle falls far short of expectations. Both become aware that their association with Berlusconi is superficial and offers no real power or fulfillment, leading them to question their ambitions.

Foreshadowing: The party's grandeur sets up the inevitable disappointment when reality doesn't match the hype.

  • sergio morra
  • tamara
  • berlusconi
  • party
  • disillusionment
Q9

Why does Berlusconi personally visit L'Aquila after the earthquake?

Berlusconi visits L'Aquila as Prime Minister to respond to the disaster, promising to rebuild homes for the displaced families. The film shows this as both a genuine political responsibility and an opportunity for him to appear compassionate. However, his visit is undercut by his continued scandals, including his secret trip to Noemi Letizia's birthday.

Foreshadowing: The film juxtaposes Berlusconi's political duties with his personal scandals throughout.

  • berlusconi
  • l'aquila
  • visit
  • earthquake
  • prime minister
Q10

Why does Berlusconi pursue Stella and what happens?

At his Sardinian estate, Berlusconi develops interest in a youthful woman named Stella. However, his advances are met with clear rejection, leaving him frustrated. This moment underscores Berlusconi's pattern of pursuing younger women and his inability to accept rejection, contrasting with his usual sense of entitlement.

Foreshadowing: The party's atmosphere of excess sets the stage for Berlusconi's failed attempt with Stella.

  • stella
  • berlusconi
  • rejection
  • party
  • sardinia
Q11

What happens to Sergio Morra's ambitions by the end of the film?

By the film's end, Sergio Morra's grand ambitions to rise through Berlusconi's connections have not yielded the power he expected. Like others at the Sardinian party, he departs disillusioned, having witnessed the emptiness of Berlusconi's world. His trajectory mirrors the broader theme of disillusionment that pervades the film.

Foreshadowing: Sergio's early ambition in Taranto sets up his eventual disappointment in Rome.

  • sergio morra
  • ambitions
  • end
  • disillusionment
  • berlusconi
Q12

What does the ending with the firefighters signify?

The film ends with firefighters recovering a statue of Jesus Christ from a devastated church in L'Aquila, then shows their exhausted faces after a long day. This ending juxtaposes Berlusconi's political resurgence and personal scandals with the real human suffering of ordinary Italians. It serves as a poignant reminder of the weight of responsibility he neglects through his self-indulgent lifestyle.

Foreshadowing: The L'Aquila earthquake subplot runs parallel to Berlusconi's personal dramas throughout the second half.

  • ending
  • firefighters
  • l'aquila
  • statue
  • symbolism

Movie threads

More Movies Like Loro, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Loro tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Power and corruption dramas like Loro

Movies that delve into the amoral inner circles of the powerful. If you liked the cynical portrayal of Silvio Berlusconi's world in Loro, explore these other movies about political corruption and abuse of power. This list features dramas that reveal the moral decay and scandalous excess within the inner circles of the influential.

  • cynical
  • satirical
  • disillusioned
  • corrosive
  • opulent
  • jaded
  • Tone: dark, satirical, cynical
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread often follow an observer or aspirant who gains access to a powerful figure's inner circle, only to become disillusioned by the moral compromises, transactional relationships, and sheer emptiness they witness. The narrative unfolds as a series of revealing episodes rather than a single plot-driven thriller.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together for their shared dark, satirical tone and heavy emotional weight derived from examining the corrupting nature of power. They feature a steady, observational pacing and a mixed or bleak ending feel that underscores the theme of disillusionment.

Movies about moral decay and excess like Loro

Stories set in worlds of extreme wealth that highlight spiritual emptiness. Fans of Loro's portrayal of opulent corruption will appreciate these films about moral decay and disillusionment. Discover similar stories where extreme wealth and power lead to emptiness, scandal, and the breakdown of personal relationships.

  • decadent
  • opulent
  • disillusioned
  • jaded
  • corrosive
  • cynical
  • Tone: dark, corrosive, disillusioned
  • Pacing: steady, atmospheric
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves characters initially seduced by a world of luxury and influence, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of emptiness and compromised values. The journey is one of gradual disillusionment, where the promised rewards of excess reveal themselves to be hollow.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific mood blend of opulence and decay, combining visually rich settings with dark, cynical themes. The experience is defined by a heavy emotional weight, a steady pacing that allows the atmosphere of decay to sink in, and a mixed or bleak conclusion.

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Every angle

Loro (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Loro in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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