In the vibrant Naples of the 1960s, lives Filumena Marturano, a strong and determined woman who has had to fight with all her might to survive in a world where traditions and expectations oppress her. Filumena has maintained a tumultuous and passionate relationship with Domenico Soriano, a businessman who enjoys life and his conquests, but who is also trapped in the dilemma of his commitment to her. After years of living in "sin," Filumena, tired of being just a mistress, decides to take matters into her own hands.
With a cunning worthy of a comedy, Filumena devises a plan to ensure that Domenico recognizes her as his wife. In a fiery turn of events, she pretends to be on the verge of dying, forcing Domenico to reconsider his feelings and his responsibilities towards her. What begins as a desperate maneuver turns into a whirlwind of emotions, misunderstandings, and revelations, as the couple navigates the waters of love, duty, and betrayal.
With comedic scenes and moments of deep reflection, this story becomes a moving portrait of the complexities of love and marriage, challenging the social conventions of the time. In the end, both characters confront their own demons and discover what it truly means to commit, in a turn of events that will change their lives forever.