Tensione superficiale (2019)

In a village on Lake Resia, Michela works off the books for low pay at a run-down hotel. The young woman, who has a teenage son, is still in love with Heinrich, the boy’s father, though he does not return her feelings. One day, Anna stays at the hotel. She is an escort who works at a brothel in nearby Austria, frequented by many Italians. Moved by Michela’s story and dignity, Anna suggests that she become an escort too—a legal profession in Austria and, above all, a very lucrative one. Michela decides to start her new life without telling her friends or family. Everything goes smoothly until her secret comes to light: Claudio, her former employer, who had promised in vain to put her on a proper contract, is a client at the Austrian brothel. Michela is therefore forced to endure his sexual blackmail. At one point, he confesses that he has fallen in love with her; Michela, disgusted, rejects him, and the man then reveals her secret. The small community responds by ostracizing her, but after regaining her dignity and financial independence, Michela also wins back Heinrich’s love.