This is the story of an elderly Neapolitan lady who, to counteract that ancient date on her identity card, keeps herself in perpetual motion: Lina is full of life, very active, runs and coordinates a highly entertaining Catholic association of middle-class elderly ladies, looks after her sister and her never-grown-up nephew, but above all continues to play the role of an old-fashioned mother towards her three sixty-year-old children in perpetual crisis. Whether it be an economic, psychological or romantic crisis, Lina always finds the perfect remedy. Having been a widow for many years, she stands firm against the constant pressure from her children who would like to send her to a care home. She holds her ground, full of life. Every Thursday, come hell or high water, she has two rituals: the first is to visit her husband at the cemetery, the second is the unmissable game of scopone with her sister Maria. Lina also has a suitor, Don Eduardo, the neighbour of indeterminate age who never misses an opportunity or lacks imagination when it comes to courting her. Our story unfolds in a comical tone reminiscent of days gone by, but, as in all the best stories, something unexpected and dramatic happens: Lina falls ill. The rush to the hospital is frantic; given her age, the worst is feared, but Lina is tough as nails and miraculously recovers. Now, however, she cannot be left alone and must choose between going to a care home or relying on a carer. After a proper selection process, Amilà is chosen – a woman from Sri Lanka in her fifties. Although the Sri Lankan community has been present and integrated in Naples for many years, Amilà does not speak the language. The relationship with Lina doesn’t get off the ground; there is mistrust. But another unexpected event will change the fortunes of the elderly landlady: Amilà, no longer able to bear the hostility of Lina and her children, snaps. She vents all her resentment and sorrow… in unadulterated, perfect Neapolitan dialect. Everyone is taken aback; Lina opens her eyes, realises she has gone too far, and apologises! From that moment on, a genuine and sincere relationship finally develops between the two women.
Lina’s health continues to decline inexorably, and Amilà decides to take matters into her own hands.
