A young Roman woman during the 1950s is on the verge of becoming engaged to a man. She goes to Cinecittà to do an audition as an extra and is thrust into this almost infinite night during which she discovers herself.

It follows two teenagers doing time in Naples. Filippo dreams of becoming a musician, and Carmine of becoming a hairdresser. Will they be strong enough to oppose the attacks from fellow detainee Ciro, the crime boss?