Year: 1957
Runtime: 110 mins
Language: Italian
Director: Federico Fellini
Set in Rome in 1957, the film follows Cabiria, a tenacious young street‑walker whose boyfriend Giorgio betrays her, stealing her money and abandoning her to drown. After being rescued, she rebuilds her life, seeking love and stability amid a harsh, cynical society. Even when she believes she has finally found happiness, new challenges reveal that security remains elusive.
Get a spoiler-free look at Nights of Cabiria (1957) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the bustling streets of 1957 Rome, the city hums with a mix of post‑war optimism and lingering bitterness. Neon signs flicker above cramped alleyways, while church processions and bustling nightclubs paint a portrait of a society caught between tradition and modern desire. Within this restless backdrop moves Cabiria, a young street‑walker whose fierce independence shines against the gray concrete of her world. Her quick smile and stubborn spirit suggest a woman who refuses to be defined solely by the streets she walks.
_Cabiria_ shares a volatile connection with _Giorgio_, a lover whose charm masks a deeper unreliability, and she leans on _Wanda_, a neighbor whose practical kindness offers a fleeting shelter from the city’s harsher edges. Their interactions illuminate a fragile network of loyalty and tension, hinting at the ways personal bonds can both buoy and betray in a place where survival often demands hard choices. Through whispered conversations on cracked doorways and hurried exchanges in dimly lit cafés, the film sketches a portrait of friendship strained by hope and disappointment.
Drawn to the glitter of nightclubs and the solemnity of religious rites, _Cabiria*_ * drifts between worlds that promise escape and belonging. The allure of fame, the quiet dignity of charitable gestures, and the rhythmic pulse of the city’s nightlife each tease the possibility of a life beyond survival. Yet each encounter also reflects the cynical undercurrents that run through the streets, where genuine generosity feels as rare as lasting affection.
Against this tapestry of fleeting joys and looming uncertainties, _Cabiria*_ * remains determined to carve out stability for herself. The film sustains a tone that balances melancholy with resilient optimism, inviting viewers to wonder whether the promise of security can ever truly be grasped in a world that constantly tests the limits of hope.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:25
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where a resilient spirit finds glimmers of hope in a harsh world.If you liked Nights of Cabiria's portrayal of endurance against adversity, you'll appreciate these movies. This thread gathers similar stories of characters who maintain a fragile hope through hardship, offering bittersweet emotional journeys and moving character studies.
Narratives in this thread typically follow a protagonist facing repeated setbacks and betrayals. The story structure is often episodic, testing the character's spirit through sequential hardships. The journey culminates in a moment of truth where hope, however battered, proves to be the character's defining trait.
These films are grouped together by their shared emotional tone: a poignant blend of melancholy and resilience. They feature steady, character-driven pacing and a medium-to-heavy emotional weight, centered on protagonists whose hopeful nature is their greatest strength and vulnerability.
Character studies of individuals searching for connection in isolating circumstances.For viewers seeking movies like Nights of Cabiria, this thread features similar intimate portraits of survival. Discover films about marginalized characters navigating poverty and searching for love, all with a steady pace, heavy emotional weight, and a focus on captivating relationships.
The narrative pattern is a straightforward, linear journey centered on a single protagonist's daily struggle for dignity and love. Conflict arises from societal pressures and personal betrayals, with the plot driven by the character's emotional arc rather than complex external events. The ending often leaves the character's future uncertain but their spirit confirmed.
These films share a common world and thematic focus: a realistic depiction of life on the margins. They are united by an intimate, melancholic mood, a steady pacing that allows for deep character immersion, and a heavy emotional weight derived from the protagonist's vulnerable position.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Nights of Cabiria in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Nights of Cabiria is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Nights of Cabiria, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Nights of Cabiria with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Nights of Cabiria. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Nights of Cabiria: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Nights of Cabiria that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Nights of Cabiria (1957) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Nights of Cabiria (1957) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Nights of Cabiria (1957) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Nights of Cabiria – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
1 Night (2017) Complete Plot Breakdown
On a Magical Night (2019) Story Summary & Characters
Nights (2000) Movie Recap & Themes
One from the Heart (1982) Full Summary & Key Details
Nightsongs (2004) Story Summary & Characters
The Night Of Open Sex (1983) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Nights in White Satin (1987) Film Overview & Timeline
Cinema Paradiso (1988) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Night Journey (1987) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Night Belongs to Lovers (2021) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Night of Love (1954) Movie Recap & Themes
Day for Night (1973) Detailed Story Recap
Night of Red Wine (1967) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Street Angel (1928) Story Summary & Characters
Fellini’s Casanova (1976) Movie Recap & Themes