Unspooling in 1970s Rome, the film follows Clara (Penélope Cruz), a fun-loving mother who prefers to play around at the children’s table rather than socialise with the adults. Having moved to a new apartment with her family, she must confront the fact that her marriage to Felice (Vincenzo Amato) is over, and protect her children from his abusive behaviour.

Her 12-year-old (Luana Giuliani), meanwhile, is having a formative summer of her own. She begins to question her gender identity, asking to be referred to by the male name Andrea as she figures out who she is.

Brightened by radiant, black-and-white fantasy sequences, L'immensità is a thoughtful meditation on childhood trauma and shifting identity that treats its themes with nuance and psychological honesty.

"The force of Cruz’s charisma — she’s like a cross between Sophia Loren and a solar flare — is more than enough to justify spending time with the family." Screen International