In a scorching Rome, flooded with waste and electric scooters, Al is a serial dreamer who feels destined for success. When he helplessly witnesses the disintegration of his dream to make it big with his rock band, fate points him toward a second path: a phone containing evidence of a crime. With a knowledge of noir stories at his disposal, Al becomes convinced that he can solve the case. As he begins the investigation, he encounters Betty, a young adventure-seeking outsider, through a dating app. Both searching for a place in the world, they delve into a mystery that soon proves to be beyond their grasp.
In Rome it hasn’t rained for three years and the lack of water is overturning rules and habits. Through the city dying of thirst and prohibitions moves a chorus of people, young and old, marginalised and successful, victims and profiteers. Their lives are linked in a single design, while each seeks his or her deliverance.
25-year-old philosophy major Marta faces the ugly truth for many young Italians — a complete lack of career opportunities. While babysitting for single mother Sonia, she starts to work as a telemarketer, experiencing first-hand the fanatical and exploitative rat-race culture pushed on employees while quickly rising through the ranks of the company. Around her revolve people like delusional supervisor Daniela, her womanizing boss Claudio, fragile coworker Lucio "2", and well-meaning but inconsistent union rep Giorgio.
In late 19th-century Sicily, the noble Uzeda family—whose lineage dates back to the ancient viceroys that ruled those lands—fights to preserve its waning power in the face of the newly unified Italian regime.