Two Women

Cesira and her daughter Rosetta flee their war-ravaged home in Rome during World War II, seeking safety in the countryside. This journey marks a crucial turning point as they leave behind the chaos of the city and head toward the serenity of Ciociaria, Cesira's birthplace.

Before leaving, Cesira forms a temporary alliance with Giovanni, a local coal merchant. He agrees to take care of her shop, providing Cesira with a sense of stability as she embarks on this uncertain journey with her daughter.

Upon their arrival in Ciociaria, the pair find a brief sense of normalcy in the countryside. Cesira's presence attracts Michele, a young intellectual, who engages Rosetta with his ideals and wisdom, creating a bond that becomes significant for the girl.

Rosetta, enchanted by Michele’s guidance, begins to see him as a father figure. Their bond illustrates the innocence of youth and the need for familial connections amidst the horrors of war.

The fragile peace that Cesira and Rosetta enjoy is shattered when Michele is kidnapped by German soldiers. His abduction reveals the ongoing dangers they face, highlighting the chaotic situation in wartime Italy.

In June 1944, as Allied forces liberate Rome, Cesira and Rosetta decide to return home. Their journey, however, takes a horrific turn when they encounter soldiers, leading to a tragic assault that profoundly affects Rosetta.

Cesira and Rosetta are violently attacked inside a church by Moroccan Goumiers. This traumatic experience devastates Rosetta, leading to a disconnect between her and her mother, as innocence is shattered.

Later, while seeking refuge in a nearby village, Rosetta mysteriously disappears. Cesira is engulfed in despair, fearing that her daughter has left in search of Michele, revealing her deep maternal instincts.

Cesira learns of Michele's tragic death at the hands of German soldiers, further sinking her heart. This news compounds her anguish, as she grapples with the impact of war on her family.

Rosetta eventually returns home after spending time with an older boy, who has given her silk stockings. This token symbolizes her burgeoning maturity, causing Cesira to confront the changes in her daughter.

Cesira expresses her anger and disappointment towards Rosetta for her sudden maturity. However, it is when Cesira reveals Michele's death that Rosetta's emotional barrier breaks, leading her to finally weep for her lost childhood.

The film concludes with a poignant scene of maternal love as Cesira holds her heartbroken daughter. This moment underscores the unbreakable bond between them amidst the horror and trauma of their experiences during the war.