Senso

Senso

Year: 1954

Runtime: 123 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Luchino Visconti

RomanceDramaWarWar and historical adventurePassion and romance

Set amid a decadent, corrupt aristocracy, the story follows a troubled, neurotic Italian countess who, driven by obsessive passion, betrays her country by entering a self‑destructive love affair with an Austrian lieutenant, leading to a tragic and inevitable downfall for both, and the fragile balance of loyalty and desire.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Senso yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Senso (1954)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Senso (1954). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1866

The events take place during the 1866 campaign of Italian unification. The period is marked by nationalist tensions, Austrian occupation, and pivotal battles such as Custoza. The social world of the Italian aristocracy collides with the realities of war and occupation, driving the characters’ actions.

Location

Venice, Verona

The story unfolds in Northern Italy, with key scenes in Venice and the city’s La Fenice opera house. It moves to the countryside around a Verona villa and the Austrian-occupied streets, highlighting the contrast between opulence and military presence. The locations anchor a saga of romantic intrigue set against the wider context of the Italian unification.

🇮🇹 Italy 🏛 Historical setting 🌆 Northern Italy

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:36

Main Characters – Senso (1954)

Meet the key characters of Senso (1954), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

La Contessa Livia Serpieri (Alida Valli)

An Italian countess married to a stuffy elder aristocrat, she pursues passion and status with reckless abandon. Her secret affair with Franz reveals a willingness to risk reputation for personal gratification, while her jealousy and longing spiral toward madness. She is both alluring and dangerously self-deceived, using wealth to buy affection even as it corrodes her sanity.

🎭 Aristocrat 💔 Forbidden love 💰 Wealth and status

Il Marchese Roberto Ussoni (Massimo Girotti)

A cousin of Livia and a provocative aristocrat whose protest plans ignite nationalist tensions. His radical actions push the social circle toward conflict, creating a web of political and personal risk. His presence frames the conflict between private desire and public duty.

🎭 Aristocrat 🗳️ Political radical 💬 Family ties

Franz Mahler (Farley Granger)

A dashing Austrian lieutenant who uses Livia’s wealth to dodge the front lines while pursuing his own pleasures. He alternates between charm and cruelty, exploiting Livia’s infatuation and her money. His recklessness and opportunism drive the lovers’ tragedy as war encroaches on personal lives.

⚔️ Soldier 💔 Affair 💵 Money and power

Clara, la Prostituta (Marcella Mariani)

A young prostitute who becomes entangled with Franz, serving as a mirror to Livia’s decadent and precarious world. She embodies the exploitation and vulnerability of those on the margins, influencing the mood and outcomes of the lovers’ schemes. Her presence amplifies the social critique at play.

💃 Prostitute 💔 Tragedy 🎭 Social critique

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:36

Major Themes – Senso (1954)

Explore the central themes of Senso (1954), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Betrayal

A secret liaison exposes the fragility of desire within a rigid aristocratic society. Livia’s pursuit of passion collides with wealth and status, leading to heartbreak and danger. Franz’s self-serving manipulation shows how affection can be weaponized for personal gain. The ensuing betrayals culminate in tragedy that mirrors the war’s chaos.

💰 Power and Money

Livia’s wealth funds both the romance and the manipulation that sustains it. Franz’s willingness to exploit her money reveals the transactional nature of their relationship. The aristocracy’s social currency—the combination of money and status—dictates loyalty and maneuvering. The film treats money as a catalyst for love, influence, and ruin.

⚔️ War and Loyalty

The war provides a backdrop that destabilizes intimate bonds and exposes true loyalties. Soldiers, battles, and occupation infiltrate private life, forcing choices between personal desire and duty. Livia’s decisions are refracted through national crisis, testing her humanity and judgment. The final twist binds personal tragedy to national upheaval, showing how love can falter in war.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Senso

Don't stop at just watching — explore Senso 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 Senso is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Senso Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Senso, 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.

Senso Summary

Senso Timeline

Track the full timeline of Senso with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Senso Timeline

More About Senso

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Senso: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Senso

Explore More About Movie Senso

Senso (1954) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Senso (1954) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Senso (1954) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow