In post-war rural Italy, a boy named Gavino lives under the yoke of his strict father, a shepherd who clings to harsh traditions and a brutal form of parenting. The story begins by showcasing the harsh yet beautiful context of Sardinia, where life seems dominated by nature and local culture. As Gavino grows up, he faces an internal conflict: paternal tyranny against his desire for freedom and self-discovery.
Trapped in a world that expects the worst from him, Gavino becomes a tormented young man, unable to break free from family oppression. Despite his yearning to explore his identity, he is forced to take on the role of a man plagued by guilt and fear. However, fate offers him an opportunity when he begins to experience life beyond the confines of his home and encounters education, poetry, and the possibility of a different future.
Through stunning visual storytelling and a visceral tone, the film captures Gavino's struggle as he attempts to free himself from the chains of his past and redefine who he is as a person. In a journey of self-discovery and redemption, the story explores familial bonds, the search for identity, and the sacrifices one is willing to make to attain cherished freedom. It is a powerful narrative that challenges the notion of tradition in a changing and brutal context.