Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. The film tells the story of the Michelucci family, from the nineteen-seventies to the present day: the central character is the stunningly beautiful Anna, the lively, frivolous and sometimes embarrassing mother of Bruno and Valeria. Everything begins in the Summer of 1971, at the annual Summer beauty pageant held at Livorno’s most popular bathing establishment. Anna is unexpectedly crowned “Most Beautiful Mother”, unwittingly stirring the violent jealousy of her husband. From then on, chaos strikes the family and for Anna, Bruno and his sister Valeria, it is the start of an adventure that will only end thirty years later. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

• Opening Hook: The First Beautiful Thing's opening establishes the comedic tone through Valerio Mastandrea as Bruno Michelucci's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Paolo Virzì layers throughout.
• Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Valerio Mastandrea's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
• Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Valerio Mastandrea's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.