The Roof

Set circa 1950, the story unfolds in a time of rapid reconstruction after World War II. The economy is tight, and formal housing is scarce, forcing families to improvise. The narrative situates itself in the daily rhythms of a Rome on the brink of modernization.

Rome, Italy serves as the backdrop, focusing on the poorest classes vying for shelter in the postwar era. The film shifts between crowded family apartments and the outskirts where a makeshift roof is built. The setting captures the urban lay of a city under strain, with housing shortages shaping everyday decisions.

🏚️ Housing

From the outset, the film centers on the brutal reality of housing scarcity in postwar Rome. Natale's plan to build a one-room dwelling overnight is both pragmatic and risky, illustrating how far people will go to protect family. The makeshift roof becomes a symbol of shelter as a basic human right, not just property. When authorities threaten eviction, the couple’s determination exposes cracks in social provision and the resilience of ordinary people.

🎬 Neorealism

The film embodies neorealist principles by focusing on ordinary people and real-life struggles. It uses non-professional actors to convey unforced authenticity, grounding the drama in everyday detail. The narrative emphasizes the grit and tenderness of a wounded city learning to survive. De Sica’s approach ties personal hardship to broader social realities.

👪 Family & Community

The story unfolds within a web of relatives sharing a cramped space, highlighting the ties that bind in hard times. Quarrels, support, and shared labor reveal both conflict and solidarity among the poor. The couple’s attempts to secure a future for their unborn child are framed by the needs and expectations of kin. Community acts as both obstacle and lifeline.