In 19th century Sicily, the nobility begins to crumble as the unification of Italy looms on the horizon. Don Fabrizio, an aristocratic prince weary of court intrigues and the social changes that threaten his way of life, observes the rise of the bourgeoisie with a blend of rejection and resignation. His family, once enjoying an unshakeable status, faces an uncertain future in a world that no longer belongs to them.
Caught between duty and desire, Fabrizio is concerned not only about his legacy but also about his young nephew Tancredi, who, instead of clinging to old traditions, decides to integrate into the new political order. The prince finds himself in conflict, as the future of his lineage may rest on Tancredi's decisions, while also falling in love with the beautiful Angelica, daughter of a newly wealthy man seeking to ascend the social ladder.
The film explores themes of decay, change, and the passage of time, presenting a vast visual panorama that evokes lost opulence. The opulent and melancholic atmosphere of the era's Sicily becomes a character in its own right as the characters navigate a world that is evolving before their eyes. Ultimately, the film serves as a reflection on the inevitable: the transformation of an era and the acceptance of what is to come.