The Best of Youth

Matteo and Nicola Carati experience a pivotal moment in their lives as they try to rescue Giorgia from an abusive sanitarium. This heartbreaking attempt strains their familial bonds and sets them on divergent paths filled with emotional turmoil and complex challenges.

After the traumatic events surrounding Giorgia, Matteo abandons his academic dreams, feeling lost and disconnected. He instead seeks fulfillment by helping mentally ill individuals navigate through the streets, attempting to make sense of his pain.

In contrast to Matteo, Nicola pours himself into his studies, achieving success by passing an important exam. This accomplishment sets him on the path to become a psychiatrist, fueling his desire to make a positive impact on mental health issues.

Overwhelmed by despair after Giorgia is taken back by authorities, Matteo seeks refuge in the army. This decision marks a significant attempt to escape his emotional struggles and grapple with his turbulent feelings in a new environment.

Nicola moves to Norway to work as a lumberjack, where he embarks on a new chapter in life. There, he meets Giulia, a university student who becomes an integral part of his journey, eventually leading him to settle down in Turin.

In Turin, Nicola and Giulia start a family, welcoming their daughter named Sara. This new chapter in their lives offers a hope for stability and love, contrasting sharply with the tumultuous experiences of Matteo.

After completing his military service, Matteo transitions back to civilian life as a police officer in Rome. Though he tries to find solace in his new role, he is haunted by lingering sadness, anger, and regret that stem from past decisions.

Nicola discovers that Giorgia is suffering in a hospital, enduring horrific conditions. Her silent suffering brings the brothers' past full circle, as the trauma inflicted upon her sends waves of grief and anger through his life.

As Giulia becomes entangled in a hidden cell of the Red Brigades, her sudden disappearance leaves Nicola devastated. This twist sends his life spiraling as he struggles to comprehend her choices and their implications.

On the cusp of a new year, Matteo's inner turmoil culminates in a heartbreaking decision to leap from his balcony. This tragic act mirrors the unresolved pain in his life, affecting his family profoundly and irrevocably.

Following Matteo's death, the family begins to disintegrate. Nicola's mother retreats into solitude, while Nicola is consumed by guilt, vowing to prevent similar tragedies from befalling his loved ones.

Determined to protect Giulia from herself and others, Nicola orchestrates her capture, leading to 17 years of imprisonment. This drastic measure, although painful, is intended to shield his family from her destructive choices.

A photograph taken by Mirella uncovers a shocking truth: Matteo is the father of Andrea, her son. This revelation prompts Nicola to share the news with their mother, reigniting her lost sense of purpose as she bonds with Mirella and Andrea.

As Giulia nears her release from prison, Sara, now pursuing her aspirations in art conservation, becomes engaged to Mimmo. This engagement signifies a new beginning for Sara, intertwining her past with her mother's complicated history.

After the passing of his mother, Nicola travels to Stromboli to seek closure and honor his family's legacy. During this journey, he finds a renewed connection with Mirella, hinting at the possibility of healing and romance amidst their tragic past.