A film by Paolo Sorrentino

In 1950, near the Bay of Naples, young Parthenope is born in the Mediterranean Sea, just outside the crumbling castle where she will spend her childhood. She is named - by her familys rich, boorish benefactor - after the legendary Greek siren associated with the foundation of what became modern-day Naples. As her teenage summers pass, Parthenope grows into a statuesque and intellectually captivating young woman, holding everyone in her thrall. She soon learns to navigate the complexities of a distracted and emotionally volatile family, the endless attention of boys and men, and the rigorous expectations of academia, where she becomes something of a disciple of her anthropology professor, and a kindred spirit for a disillusioned author. Through tragedy, lost loves and professional setbacks, Parthenope remains dedicated to the singular beauty of Naples, with its many memorable characters, but also its uneasy mix of commerce, religion, crime and class.