In 1984 Naples, Fabietto Schisa enjoys a carefree adolescence with his close-knit family amidst eccentric relatives and friends. However, their peace is shattered: Maria’s sister, Patrizia, faces abuse from her husband; Marchino’s acting dreams falter after a failed audition with Federico Fellini; Maria discovers Saverio’s infidelity.
Amidst turmoil, the acquisition of Diego Maradona by Napoli brings hope and joy, especially for Fabietto, who finds solace in Maradona amidst the chaos. Saverio and Maria reconcile, buying a villa in Roccaraso for family vacations. They invite Fabietto for a weekend getaway, but he declines to attend a Napoli-Empoli match to see Maradona play.
Tragically, Saverio and Maria die from a carbon monoxide leak at the villa. The loss devastates the Schisa siblings, especially Fabietto, who is prevented from seeing his parents’ bodies. He grapples with survivor’s guilt but also gains a new perspective from his uncle Alfredo’s belief that he was saved by “the hand of God”. Amidst profound grief and confusion, Fabietto searches for meaning and direction.
Similar Content
Meanwhile, Aunt Patrizia is hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. During Fabietto’s visit, she shares her story: miraculously pregnant after an encounter with Saint Gennaro and the “munaciello”, but subsequent abuse led to a miscarriage. Feeling trapped, she chose hospitalization to escape her oppressive life. This sparks Fabietto’s desire to move to Rome. He has his first sexual encounter with a neighbor, Baroness Focale, who empathizes with his struggles. He also befriends Armando, a smuggler, delving into Neapolitan crime.
Fascinated by cinematography, inspired by a film and actress, Fabietto dreams of studying it. Meanwhile, his relationships with Marchino and Daniela sour: Marchino avoids the future, and Daniela reveals a half-brother fathered by their dad’s affair. During a performance by Yulia, Fabietto witnesses director Antonio Capuano harshly criticize her flaws. They discuss Fabietto’s desire to study cinema in Rome, but Capuano perceives it as an attempt to escape pain. He advises Fabietto not to flee from Naples but to embrace its stories.
Meanwhile, Napoli wins its first league title. After their encounter, Fabietto decides to keep his promise to go to Rome. During the train journey, he encounters a “munaciello” at a desolate station, echoing his parents’ affectionate whistle.
Don’t miss out on experiencing the emotional journey of Fabietto in “The Hand of God”. Watch the full movie online now!