| Director | Paolo Sorrentino |
|---|---|
| Genre | coming-of-age film, drama film |
| Runtime | 136 min |
| Country | France, Italy |
| Budget | €32.6 million |
| Box office | $11.7 million |
In 1950, the affluent Di Sangro family awaits the birth of their daughter in the waters of Posillipo. The birth is attended by her wealthy godfather Achille Lauro, her older brother Raimondo, and Sandrino, the son of the family's housekeeper. Achille gives her the name Parthenope in honour of the city of Naples.
In 1968, Sandrino is obsessed with Parthenope, and Raimondo is incestuously attached to her. Parthenope attends an anthropology course taught by Professor Devoto Marotta, known for his severity. She challenges Marotta during an evaluation of her knowledge and they develop mutual respect.
In 1973, Raimondo suggests to Parthenope and Sandrino that they go to Capri. Parthenope’s carefree behaviour attracts the attention of many people, including the writer John Cheever whose work she has read. Raimondo ingratiates himself with an heiress, but cannot kiss her and realises he loves only Parthenope. After seeing Sandrino seduce Parthenope, Raimondo throws himself from the cliffs of Capri.
In 1974, Parthenope's mother blames her for Raimondo's death and her father becomes completely detached. She asks Marotta to advise her on an anthropology dissertation about suicide. He instead suggests researching the cultural impact of miracles. Parthenope briefly interrupts her studies and tries to become an actress. First, she sees the acting teacher Flora Malva, an elderly diva who directs her to Greta Cool, an actress who shares Parthenope's Neapolitan origins. At a party in Greta's honour, Parthenope meets Roberto Criscuolo, a mafioso who takes her to a family ritual, in which the heirs of two Camorra families conceive a child to mark unity. Parthenope then becomes pregnant by Criscuolo, but privately procures an illegal abortion. Sandrino later arrives to bid her farewell before moving to Milan, and she lashes out, blaming him for Raimondo's death.
In 1982, Parthenope is a university scholar. She receives an invitation from an anthropology journal to write an article on the liquefaction of the blood of San Gennaro. Marotta warns her about Cardinal Tesorone, who oversees the miracle, calling him a "scoundrel". Tesorone asks her to have sex with him and Parthenope agrees. Marotta tells Parthenope that he aims to retire, and suggests that she apply for a teaching position at the University of Trento. At first Parthenope refuses, because of her love for Naples. Marotta introduces her to his severely disabled son. Parthenope seems compelled by his son, but remains in Trento.
In 2023 as she is retiring from academia, Parthenope discusses with two students the profound impact she had on their lives and briefly answers some of their questions about her personal life. She visits Capri, remembering her youth, then returns to Naples. Parthenope smiles as a passing group of fans celebrate SSC Napoli’s third Serie A championship.