In '80s and '90s Bari, Maria, known as 'Malacarne', dreams of a different life among fishermen. As the youngest daughter in a weary family, she is spirited and rebellious. Michele, the son of the violent boss Straziota, grows up in a hostile environment. Despite their families' animosity, Maria and Michele develop a deep bond that transforms from friendship to love, overcoming prejudice, hatred, and poverty. In a world that seeks to keep them apart, they hold onto each other, searching for salvation. Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.