August in an anonymous and working-class neighbourhood of Milan. Gianni is a profoundly unhappy young man because his twin brother, Moreno, lives in an institution for the mentally handicapped. Gianni lives alone and works at a petrol pump. He spends what free time he has visiting Moreno and going out with his girlfriend, Betty. Gianni gradually pulls Betty into his obsession to bring Moreno back home and care for him there.