What Is All Screwed Up About?
The premise of All Screwed Up in 287 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sweltering summer of 1974, a wave of southern‑Italian laborers arrives in the bustling, industrial heart of Milan, chasing the promise of work and a fresh start. The city’s soot‑gray factories and cramped apartments become a backdrop for a tightly knit community that must navigate the clash between rural traditions and the relentless pace of modern urban life. Money, while never the sole measure of worth, looms as the primary force shaping every choice, casting a quiet urgency over ordinary moments.
Among the newcomers, Gino and Carletto are two hopeful young men whose friendship anchors their struggle to find steady employment and a place to belong. They quickly cross paths with Adelina, a shy newcomer from Sicily whose modesty and yearning for stability clash with the city’s seductive allure. Isotta, a relative taken in by circumstance, and Biki, a resourceful neighbor, extend a tentative network of support, offering both shelter and a glimpse of the informal economies that sustain many of the residents. The group is later joined by Sante and his pregnant partner Mariuccia, whose arrival deepens the household’s dynamics and amplifies the collective’s concerns about the future.
The film’s tone is a gritty, intimate portrait of working‑class life, blending moments of fragile tenderness with the harsh realities of a city that offers little mercy. By focusing on daily routines—shared meals, cramped living quarters, whispered dreams of ownership—the story invites viewers to feel the weight of each character’s aspirations and anxieties. The atmosphere hums with a restless energy, suggesting that while the characters are bound by circumstance, the bonds they form may prove as vital as any paycheck, leaving the audience eager to see how they will navigate the delicate balance between survival and hope.
What Happens in All Screwed Up?
The complete story of All Screwed Up, from the first scene to the last, in 585 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In this compelling story, two young men from the countryside, Gino and Carletto, arrive in the bustling city of Milan, full of hope and ambition. On their first day in the metropolis, they encounter a young woman who is also new to the city—Adelina. She is visibly distressed, crying because she cannot find her cousin. Feeling sympathetic, Gino and Carletto assist her in locating Isotta, her relative, and the three quickly establish a connection, planning to meet again soon.
As they settle into their new lives, the boys find factory jobs—Gino working as a burglar after being scammed on his first day, and Carletto taking a more regular position in a restaurant. Meanwhile, Adelina is taken in by Isotta, who introduces her to the workforce as a maid, with the help of the resourceful Biki. The group eventually moves into an apartment that has a history of tragedy—it once belonged to an artist friend of Biki’s who tragically committed suicide.
Their small community expands when they are joined by Sante, a friend from their first day in Milan, along with his pregnant girlfriend Mariuccia. The newcomers initially plan to stay only a few weeks to get on their feet, but circumstances deepen their ties. When Mariuccia gives birth to twins, their stay extends well beyond the original plan, transforming their living situation into a more permanent fixture.
Adelina, a traditional girl from Sicily, desires to remain chaste, despite her increasingly city-ified lifestyle. Carletto, desperate to be with her, eventually finds a better job working in a restaurant. He tries to propose again, but Adelina insists that they should postpone marriage until they are financially stable, envisioning opening a small shop in the future.
Gino’s path takes a darker turn as he falls in with a petty crook, engaging in burglaries. Feeling ashamed, he deceives Carletto by claiming he is working independently, hiding his illegal activities. Meanwhile, a troubling suggestion emerges from a friend of Carletto’s—that the only way for Carletto to be with Adelina is through force. Tragically, this advice is acted upon when a man involved in the plot is killed, and Gino flees the scene. In the aftermath, Gino confesses to Carletto that he cannot risk being involved with the police because of his criminal record.
Amidst these turbulent events, Adelina resists advances from Carletto, emphasizing her traditional values and modesty. She refuses to have a sexual relationship unless circumstances change, insisting they need to save money instead of spending it on such pursuits. Her concern also extends to her cousin Isotta, who now refuses to communicate with the family—though secretly, she works as a prostitute to send money back home to her rural family.
The narrative intensifies as Sante becomes increasingly desperate after discovering that Mariuccia is pregnant yet again. In his desperation, he becomes involved with fascist factions, ultimately being arrested as the fall guy in a violent incident where a man is killed. Carletto attempts to intervene and defend his friend, but is shocked to find Gino fleeing the scene. Gino, burdened by his criminal lifestyle, admits to Carletto that he cannot involve himself with the police.
Faced with these mounting challenges, Carletto briefly considers leaving Milan to start anew. However, reality quickly beckons when he is called back to his job, reminding him that the city’s pressures and the complexities of their lives continue to pull him back into the cycle from which he seeks to escape.
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All Screwed Up Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival in Milan” to “Carletto’s contemplation of leaving”. Every event takes place in Milan.
- 1
Arrival in Milan
Gino and Carletto, two young men from the countryside, arrive in Milan seeking a better life. They quickly meet a young woman, Adelina, who is also new and upset because she cannot find her cousin Isotta. The men help her locate Isotta, and they plan to meet again.
Where:Milan
- 2
Getting factory jobs
Gino and Carletto find work in factories, starting their new life in the city. Adelina is taken in by Isotta and learns to work as a maid from her resourceful friend Biki. The group begins to settle into their new urban environment.
Where:Milan
- 3
Living in the artists' apartment
They all move into an apartment that once belonged to an artist who committed suicide. The space becomes their shared home, reflecting their integration into Milanese urban life and their economic struggles.
Where:Milan
- 4
Joining Sante and Mariuccia
They are joined by Sante and his pregnant girlfriend Mariuccia, who initially say they will stay only a few weeks. When Mariuccia gives birth to twins, the group remains together, increasing their household and financial pressures.
Where:Milan
- 5
Adelina’s traditional values
Adelina, a traditional Sicilian girl, insists on remaining chaste despite her urban lifestyle and growing independence. Carletto proposes, but she suggests he should find a better job before they marry.
Where:Milan
- 6
Carletto's job change and proposal plans
Carletto secures a better job working in a restaurant. He proposes to Adelina again, but she declines marriage for financial reasons, preferring to save money to open a small shop in the future.
Where:Milan
- 7
Gino’s criminal activity
Gino falls in with a petty crook and begins working as a burglar, ashamed of his actions. He lies to Carletto about working independently, concealing his criminal activities from his friend.
Where:Milan
- 8
Sexual violence towards Adelina
A friend advises Carletto that forcing himself on Adelina is the only way to be with her. Carletto commits sexual assault in the kitchen, leading to complex feelings and conflicts regarding their relationship.
Where:Milan
- 9
Adelina's refusal and family struggles
Despite her initial satisfaction, Adelina refuses to continue a sexual relationship with Carletto, citing financial reasons. The group faces economic hardships, and Adelina worries about her cousin Isotta, who secretly works as a prostitute to send money home.
Where:Milan
- 10
Sante’s arrest and political involvement
Sante becomes desperate over his pregnant wife Mariuccia’s repeated pregnancies and gets involved with fascists. He is arrested as part of a plot where he is made the fall guy after a man is killed, leaving the group shocked.
Where:Milan
- 11
Gino’s confession and guilt
Gino admits to Carletto that he is a burglar with a criminal record and cannot get involved with the police. His confession creates further tension and reveals his internal conflict about his lifestyle.
Where:Milan
- 12
Carletto’s contemplation of leaving
Carletto briefly considers moving away from Milan to start anew, reminiscing about his past and the possibilities of a different life. However, his plans are interrupted when he is called back to work, anchoring him to his current circumstances.
Where:Milan
Who Are the Main Characters in All Screwed Up?
7 characters, among them Gino (Eros Pagni), Carletto (Nino Bignamini) and Adelina (Sara Rapisarda): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Gino (Eros Pagni)
Played by Eros Pagni
Gino is a country lad who arrives in Milan and is quickly drawn into petty crime after being scammed on his first day. He hides his burglaries from Carletto, pretending to work independently. His guilt and fear of the police due to his past drive him to flee when danger erupts, cooling his bond with his friend.
- 🕵️ Thief
- 💭 Guilt
- 🚶♂️ Escape
- C(
Carletto (Nino Bignamini)
Played by Nino Bignamini
Carletto is Gino’s friend who finds steadier work in a restaurant and clings to practical plans for a better future. He longs to marry Adelina once they are financially stable and tries to avoid rushing into commitments. The deception around crime tests his loyalty and forces him to navigate a dangerous urban environment.
- 💪 Loyal
- 🛠️ Worker
- 🕊️ Hope
- A(
Adelina (Sara Rapisarda)
Played by Sara Rapisarda
Adelina is a traditional Sicilian girl who arrives in the city with clear values and a desire to remain chaste. She resists premature marriage as she and Carletto strive to save money and build a future, including the dream of opening a small shop. Her stance anchors the group’s moral center as city life tests her beliefs.
- 💞 Traditional
- 💪 Determined
- 🧰 Pragmatic
- I(
Isotta (Isa Danieli)
Played by Isa Danieli
Isotta is Adelina’s relative who takes her in and helps usher her into the workforce as a maid. She remains a resource within the household, supporting the group as they navigate Milan’s opportunities and dangers. Privately, she hides a double life to send money back to her rural family.
- 🎭 Dual Life
- 💔 Secrets
- 💼 Family Support
-
Biki (Giuliana Calandra)
Played by Giuliana Calandra
Biki is the resourceful, quick-witted ally who helps Adelina integrate into the factory and maid work. She anchors the group’s social network and offers practical know-how to survive city life.
- 🤝 Supportive
- 🔧 Resourceful
- 🗝️ Networker
- S(
Sante (Renato Rotondo)
Played by Renato Rotondo
Sante is an old friend who becomes increasingly desperate as circumstances mount. He gravitates toward fascist factions, and his choices culminate in arrest as the fall guy in a violent incident.
- 🕯️ Desperation
- 🪖 Fascism
- 🧱 Violence
- M(
Mariuccia (Lina Polito)
Played by Lina Polito
Mariuccia is Sante’s pregnant girlfriend, whose condition ties the group together and drives decisions about staying in Milan. Her pregnancy eventually leads to the birth of twins, prolonging their stay and complicating their plans.
- 👶 Motherhood
- 🧵 Family
- 💖 Hope
Where and When Is All Screwed Up Set?
All Screwed Up is set in Milan. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Milan
Milan, Italy’s bustling industrial metropolis, provides the backdrop for two country youths arriving in search of work and a new life. The crowded neighborhoods, factories, and tight apartments frame their hopes and daily struggles. The group’s makeshift home—an apartment with a history of tragedy—highlights the city’s harsher side while offering a temporary refuge.
- 🏙️ Milan
- 🏚️ Urban housing
- 🌆 City life
What Are the Themes of All Screwed Up?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Urban Migration, Moral Conflict and Traditional Values.
-
01
Urban Migration
Two countryside youths arrive in Milan seeking opportunity, but the city’s vast, indifferent machinery exposes them to precarious labor and crime. Urban life offers a path to improvement, yet social pressure and wage scarcity push them toward risky choices. The film uses their migration to explore how newcomers adapt, bond, and struggle to redefine themselves in a modern metropolis.
-
02
Moral Conflict
Gino’s turn to burglary and his deception about independence test the limits of loyalty within the group. The line between friendship and crime becomes blurred as a fatal plot unfolds. The escalating tension asks how far people will go to protect themselves and those they care about.
-
03
Traditional Values
Adelina’s insistence on chastity and traditional manners collides with the pressures of city life and financial precarity. Isotta’s double life reveals the cost of desperation and the lengths family members go to support each other. The narrative contrasts conservative ideals with the pragmatic adaptations people make to survive.
What Kind of Film Is All Screwed Up?
Bleak in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bleak
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A gritty and oppressive portrayal of young immigrants in Milan, steadily descending from hopeful ambition into despair as their dreams are crushed by the harsh realities of poverty, crime, and moral compromise.
- gritty
- desperate
- oppressive
- melancholic
- anxious
- realistic
- immigrant struggle
- urban poverty
- friendship strained
- social decay
Content notes: suicide, prostitution, violent death, suggested sexual assault.
Quiz
How well do you remember All Screwed Up? Test yourself on the story.
