A 64-year-old childless writer named Ernesto has lived alone in a large apartment in Rome since the death of his wife. Quiet and averse to socializing, Ernesto is content with the life he has chosen. Although he hasn't written for a while, he accepts a director's offer to begin writing a screenplay about the life of Mother Teresa. When his part-time Filipino maid quits, he hires Luana, a young woman who works nearby. Luana is a girl from the slums, full of vitality and passion despite her lack of education, capable and equally carefree. Ernesto starts to open his heart to her, though initially he feels a contradictory emotion: a coexistence of infatuation and disgust. However, they soon become lovers. Ernesto persuades her to work for him longer. But as their relationship becomes more intimate, Luana gradually exhibits strange and arrogant behavior in her sexuality. Jealous Ernesto tries to seduce her, wanting her to stay by his side. But she becomes elusive and wild, and the situation spirals out of control. Ernesto decides to invite Luana to vacation with him in Ischia, surprising her, as it is the first time he has publicly gone out with her, perhaps signaling a change in their relationship. However, when Luana realizes she has misunderstood his intentions, she reverts to her arrogant self, while Ernesto remains oblivious. When they return to Rome, she disappears. Two and a half years later, when Ernesto unexpectedly reunites with Luana, she has become another woman...
