Delia is the mother of three children in a post-war Italian family, who takes care of the house and suffers the attacks of her abusive husband Ivan. Although seemingly resigned to her fate, deep down she believes that life can be different. Hope is brought by the marriage of the eldest daughter Marcella to Julius, the son of a bar owner, but Delia notices disturbing similarities to her husband. Determined to protect her daughter from an unfortunate fate, she takes bold steps.
"Hopeful Tomorrow", reminiscent of Roberto Benigni's legendary "Life is Beautiful" in its style, became the most watched in Italy. The tape was directed and played the main role by Paola Cortellesi - one of the brightest stars of Italian cinema.