Melissa P.

The film unfolds in contemporary Italy during the early 2000s, a time when mobile phones and the internet begin shaping teenage social life. Summer heat, school terms, and family obligations color the narrative. The era's social norms and media visibility magnify the consequences of Melissa's diary and actions.

Set across a sunlit Italian landscape, the action moves from Melissa's home to a wealthy classmate's pool party, a bar, and an underground basement. The settings shift between intimate family spaces and opulent social locales, highlighting class contrasts. The final seaside cliff scene frames Melissa's choice and marks the story's emotional geography.

🌊 Coming of Age

Melissa's sexual awakening unfolds in a heat-soaked summer, as she navigates desire, boundaries, and the search for identity. The diary provides a window into her private world, exposing vulnerabilities and peer judgments. Her journey is messy and empowering, as she learns to claim agency while remaining emotionally vulnerable.

⚖️ Power & Consent

The encounters reveal imbalanced power relations and questions of consent, with Daniele's charm masking a casual attitude toward Melissa. The narrative scrutinizes how desire can be shaped by peers, class, and the need to perform. It challenges viewers to consider Melissa's agency and the emotional costs of a male-centric sexual culture.

👩‍👧 Mother-Daughter Bond

The mother-daughter dynamic sits at the heart of Melissa's world, exposing miscommunication and parental obliviousness. Daria's distance underscores Melissa's isolation, while truth and memory become catalysts for reconciliation. The arc emphasizes forgiveness and the healing potential of honest communication.