Logo What's After the Movie

The Life Ahead 2020

Runtime

94 min

Language

Italian

Italian

A determined Holocaust survivor living in Rome finds her quiet life unexpectedly changed when she takes in a troubled young Senegalese immigrant. Their relationship begins with friction but evolves into a profound and touching bond, bridging the gap between different backgrounds and generations. Through mutual respect and understanding, they both find solace and a renewed sense of purpose.

A determined Holocaust survivor living in Rome finds her quiet life unexpectedly changed when she takes in a troubled young Senegalese immigrant. Their relationship begins with friction but evolves into a profound and touching bond, bridging the gap between different backgrounds and generations. Through mutual respect and understanding, they both find solace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Does The Life Ahead have end credit scenes?

No!

The Life Ahead does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Life Ahead

Explore the complete cast of The Life Ahead, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Life Ahead

See how The Life Ahead is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Life Ahead stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

80

Overall, The Life Ahead delivers a heartfelt drama driven by compelling performances and a polished visual approach. Reviews consistently praise Sophia Loren’s commanding presence alongside newcomer Ibrahima Gueye, noting their deep emotional connection. The film’s evocative portrayal of southern Italy and its thoughtful pacing bolster the touching narrative, even as familiar plot beats reduce its sense of novelty. On balance, it stands as an accessible and affecting character study that resonates through its atmosphere and empathetic depth.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Life Ahead

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film offers elegant visual coherence and attentive production values. Critics and users note the well-composed shots of southern Italy and the understated color palette that complements the intimate narrative. Editing maintains a measured pace that avoids overstaying its welcome. Overall, the presentation is polished and visually engaging.

90
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the performances anchor the film with sincerity. Sophia Loren’s portrayal conveys grace and fortified warmth, while Ibrahima Gueye’s expressive presence brings fresh depth to his role. Supporting roles maintain consistent credibility, fostering genuine chemistry. Consequently, the emotional resonance feels authentic and affecting throughout.

65
Echo Score

Story & Flow

Regarding story and flow, the narrative adheres to familiar coming-of-age conventions that some find predictable. Nevertheless, measured pacing and the concise ninety-minute runtime prevent significant drag, and the script sustains engagement through heartfelt moments. The film balances sentimental beats with thematic clarity, though originality is modest. Thus, the storyline remains engaging without breaking new ground.

75
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In sensory experience, the film benefits from a restrained soundtrack highlighted by the gold glove–winning song “Io Si,” which underscores emotional peaks. Sound design is clear and unobtrusive, supporting dialogue and ambient moments. Visually, the cohesive style captures landscapes with warmth. Ultimately, it delivers a polished audiovisual atmosphere that complements the drama.

70
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

As for rewatch factor, the film’s emotional core and strong performances encourage repeat viewings. Its concise runtime and focused character study make revisiting the story appealing, though predictable elements may lessen novelty on subsequent viewings. Viewers appreciative of character-driven drama will find enduring appeal, while those seeking surprise may feel less compelled.

Metacritic

66

Metascore

7.5

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

92%

TOMATOMETER

review

77%

User Score

IMDb

6.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

67

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.3

From 31 fan ratings

Movie Insider

4.00/5

From 3 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Life Ahead Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Life Ahead with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Life Ahead Quiz: Test your knowledge about the heartwarming story of 'The Life Ahead' with this quiz.

What is Madam Rosa's profession?

Awards & Nominations for The Life Ahead

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Life Ahead, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Life Ahead and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


26th Critics' Choice Awards 2021

Ibrahima Gueye
Nomination

Best Young Actor/Actress

Ibrahima Gueye
Nomination

Best Song

78th Golden Globe Awards 2021

Win

Best Original Song

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Life Ahead

See more

Read the complete plot summary of The Life Ahead, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Madam Rosa, an elderly former prostitute and a survivor of the Holocaust, opens her home in the vibrant Italian port city of Bari, Apulia, to care for the children of other working women. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Momo, a 12-year-old orphaned Senegalese immigrant, robs her. After this incident, Dr. Coen, Babak Karimi, who serves as Momo’s foster guardian and also Rosa’s physician, intervenes by returning her stolen belongings and insisting that the boy apologize. In a twist of fate, Dr. Coen offers Rosa financial support to take Momo under her wing for a few months, to which she begrudgingly agrees.

Momo, having faced expulsion from school for an incident involving a classmate, is entangled in the drug trade, working for a dealer in the area. However, with Rosa’s guidance, he finds legitimate work thanks to Hamil, a compassionate Muslim shopkeeper. Throughout their struggles, the supportive adults in Rosa’s life, including her neighbor and friend Lola, a transgender prostitute who helps care for her daughter, rally around Momo and Rosa. As Rosa begins to grapple with her mental decline, fluctuating between periods of lucidity and catatonia, their connection deepens.

As Rosa’s primary ward, Momo decides to abandon his dangerous lifestyle and commits to caring for her. With her health deteriorating, Rosa makes Momo promise to keep her out of hospitals, haunted by her traumatic past during her time at Auschwitz. Momo, loyal to his word, does everything he can to protect her, even sneaking her out at night to hide in a basement storage room where she feels secure. The bond between them grows stronger as Momo nurtures Rosa until the end. Tragically, after a severe episode, she passes away, revealing their secret to Lola, who finally discovers the truth. The film poignantly concludes with Rosa’s funeral, a testament to the powerful connection forged between two lost souls.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Life Ahead

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Life Ahead. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


The Life Ahead | Official Trailer | Netflix

Edoardo Ponti on The Life Ahead

Cars Featured in The Life Ahead

See 7 more

Explore all cars featured in The Life Ahead, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Dodge

D-Series

Ford

2006

Crown Victoria

Ford

2015

Focus

Mazda

2001

Tribute

Mercedes-Benz

2010

Sprinter W906

Porsche

2015

Macan 95B

Toyota

2012

Camry

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


doctorimmigranthomeprostituteholocaust survivorimmigrationracismcarpetlearning hebrewsenegalese in europedrawinglioncoastal citydrug trafficdrug dealerraw fishholocaust tattooreference to auschwitzbasementreference to a bar mitzvahtransgender womanlionessimaginary friendhospitalorphaned childsenegalesenumber tattooold womanjewish womanmuslim childitalyitalianwheelchaircognitive declinedementiacoastal italyfuneralhideawaycaregiverjewish childmotorized bicyclewriter producer directorauschwitz survivorfive word titlethree word titleflashbackcarabinieriescaping from a hospitalmissing personsilver candlesticks

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.