Two very different Italian women from opposite ends of the country and the Italian economic stratum forge a friendship based on their amorphous longing for something meaningful in their lives. Elena works as a chemical analyst with a cosmetics company in Treviso. It's a good job, and what with a wonderful lover plus a caring ex-husband, Elena has the makings of a fulfilling, happy life. But despite her fortunate circumstances, she is miserable all the time. One day, she has a fender-bender with Anita, a feisty 80 year-old-woman. The two eventually become friends, but then Anita suddenly dies. Elena decides to fly to Anita's southern hometown of Taranto to notify her relatives. It is there that Elena meets grocery-store clerk Maria, a troubled young woman with a brutal husband and a daughter who is losing touch with reality. A strange but strong friendship grows between the women that culminates in their taking a journey to Mont Blanc with Maria's daughter.