The Eight Mountains

In the summer of 1984, Pietro, an 11-year-old boy from Turin, and his mother Francesca arrive at a rented house in the village of Grana, nestled in the Italian Alps. This marks the beginning of their summer adventure in a picturesque yet isolating landscape.

While settling in, Pietro encounters Bruno, the last remaining child in the village. Estranged from his parents, Bruno lives with his uncles and aunt, and the two quickly form a deep friendship, spending their days exploring the mountains together.

Months later, Pietro's father, Giovanni, arrives in Grana, and the trio decides to embark on a hike together. This experience solidifies the bond among the three boys as they share moments in nature and adventure.

Bruno reveals to Pietro that his parents have offered to adopt him so he can attend school in Turin, which brings up conflicting feelings for Pietro. He protests against the decision, believing that Bruno should remain connected to his roots and not be uprooted.

Following Pietro's protest against the adoption, Bruno's father reacts with anger and decides to take him away for work for the summer. This separation marks a significant turning point in their friendship as they drift apart.

Five years later, 16-year-old Pietro and Bruno coincidentally meet in a bar, yet neither speaks to the other. Pietro's family returns to Grana, but without Bruno, the place feels empty and nostalgic.

As Pietro grows older, he faces increasing clashes with his father, Giovanni, which further alienate him from both his family and his mountain home. This phase of his life is marked by a deep sense of loss as the connection to his childhood fades.

Fifteen years later, a now 31-year-old Pietro receives a shocking call from his mother informing him of Giovanni's death. This news compels him to return to Grana, where he discovers his father's continued bond with Bruno during his absence.

Upon returning to Grana, Pietro locates Bruno in the mountains by a pile of rocks and wood, intended for building a house that Giovanni had envisioned. This encounter pushes Pietro to confront the choices he has made in his life.

Bruno challenges Pietro to help build the house that his father wanted, which marks the beginning of their collaboration. Over the months, this project becomes a means for both to reconnect with their lost dreams and aspirations.

The following summer, Pietro returns to Grana with new friends, including Lara, with whom he shares a fleeting romance. However, as time goes on, he continues to feel unfulfilled and questions his path in life.

Feeling aimless, Pietro decides to reinvent himself by traveling to Nepal. After publishing a book, he feels inspired and yearns for more meaning in his life, compelling him to explore different horizons.

Back in Grana, Pietro and Bruno have a frank discussion about life. Bruno refuses assistance when financial issues arise with Lara. They confront their differing life choices and the complexities that arise from them.

Tragedy strikes when a snowstorm hits Grana, and Lara informs Pietro that Bruno is missing. This abrupt turn of events serves as a catalyst for profound reflection on their friendship and the impact of life's choices.

After the search for Bruno concludes tragically, Pietro realizes that some mountains in life are not meant to be returned to. This newfound understanding prompts him to embrace the journey and the memories shared with Bruno.