In 1935, a group of elderly British women, known as the Scorpioni, settles in Florence, Italy, blending their British sensibilities with a love for Italian culture. Mary Walsh (Dame Joan Plowright) serves as the English secretary for Paolo Innocente (Massimo Ghini), who neglects his son Luca (Baird Wallace). Luca, unaware of death, constantly seeks his late mother.
Mary becomes Luca's guardian, supported by fellow Scorpioni and Paolo. Elsa Morgenthal (Cher), an outspoken Jewish-American, sets up a trust for Luca. Tensions arise, particularly between Lady Hester Random (Dame Maggie Smith) and Elsa.
World War II disrupts their lives. Elsa secretly arranges their comfortable accommodations in a hotel, while Luca assists her in aiding those persecuted in Italy. Luca falls in love with Elsa but becomes jealous of her relationship with Italian lawyer Vittorio Fanfanni (Paolo Seganti).
As the war intensifies, Elsa faces danger with America's entry, Luca's discovery of Fanfanni's motives, and heightened Nazi persecution. Throughout, Mary guides Luca toward what's right amid adolescent struggles in turbulent times.
