My Mother's Smile

Ernesto Picciafuoco, a painter and illustrator, finds himself ensnared in the financial troubles of his family. They are desperately trying to restore their former glory through the canonization of a family member, which adds an absurd layer to Ernesto's everyday life.

A mysterious cardinal approaches Ernesto, bewildering him with inquiries about canonizing his late mother. Until this point, Ernesto had been completely unaware that such proceedings were taking place, leaving him confused and introspective.

At school, Ernesto's son encounters a charming 'religious teacher' who captivates his attention. This fleeting yet unattainable attraction complicates their daily lives, adding to the family's chaotic mix of emotions and dilemma.

A religious authority confronts Ernesto regarding his mother's supposed martyrdom. During this tense interaction, he questions Ernesto about his son's lack of baptism, revealing an unsettling insight into Ernesto's personal life and spurring a crisis of faith.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Ernesto is coerced into a duel fueled by a whimsical desire to revive royalty. However, the challenge is abruptly canceled, showcasing the absurdity of the circumstances surrounding him.

Ernesto holds discussions with his aunt, who despite her lack of devotion, is driven by the prospect of financial gain and family prestige from the potential canonization. These conversations deepen the chaos in Ernesto's journey, complicating his path toward honesty and integrity.

Despite the pressures from his aunt to embrace piety for family advantage, Ernesto remains grounded in his principles. His internal battle reflects the broader theme of hypocrisy within his family.

In a moment of anxiousness, Ernesto’s wife attempts an improvised baptism of their sleeping child. Her actions signify the tensions between their family's religious expectations and their own doubts regarding faith.

Ernesto’s aunt eagerly anticipates an audience with His Holiness, alongside other family members. Their excitement underscores the opportunistic motivations driving their desire for sanctification, contrasting sharply with Ernesto's doubts.

In a symbolic act of defiance against the chaos surrounding him, Ernesto opts to walk his son to school instead of pursuing family ambitions. This choice represents his commitment to honesty and genuine relationships amidst hypocrisy.

Following the challenges and confrontations, Ernesto finds himself in moments of deep reflection about his lost faith and the absurdity of his circumstances. The surreal journey he undertakes forces him to reevaluate his values and family dynamics.

Throughout the narrative, the hypocrisy of Ernesto's family is continuously exposed, especially contrasting his late mother's genuine faith with their opportunistic desires. This theme serves as a critical backdrop to both the humor and tragedy of the story.

Ernesto's interactions with family and the church provoke deep existential hesitations, particularly regarding the integrity of traditions they were once part of. These experiences forge a complex journey towards self-discovery and healing.

As the film concludes, Ernesto emerges from the absurdity with a firmer grasp on his values, prioritizing honesty and authenticity over family pressures. This resolution highlights the intricate relationship between faith, family, and individual belief systems.