As his time in office nears its end, the President of Italy, a recent widower, finds himself weighing future options alongside some challenging choices that could shape not only his presidency but also how he'll be remembered. “De Santis” (Toni Servillo) faces the decision of whether to approve a controversial bill concerning euthanasia, and must wrestle with his own conscience while navigating his close relationship with the Pope (Rufin Doh Zeyenouin). He’s also considering two pardon requests—both involve convictions for murder, but each has potential extenuating factors he needs to consider. It quickly becomes apparent that De Santis is inclined to delay decisions. A seasoned legal professional, he assigns much of the work related to these pardons to his lawyer daughter “Dorotea” (Anna Ferzetti), while also contemplating the political ambitions of his lifelong friend “Ugo” (Massimo Venturiello) who hopes to replace him. These ambitions create a significant conflict for De Santis, as he suspects that his late wife had an affair decades earlier and believes "Ugo" was involved. His loyal confidante, "Coco" (Milvia Marigliano), insists he’s mistaken but refuses to disclose the identity of the man in question, setting the stage for the president to find some measure of resolve. Servillo portrays the character with a subtlety that proves effective, especially given the lack of superfluous dialogue. Ferzetti also performs well as she depicts the President entrusting his daughter with demanding tasks, offering a glimpse into how mitigating circumstances might be assessed when evaluating two plausible scenarios without clear guidelines for judgment. The film’s visual design creates an almost clinical atmosphere where De Santis works. He is frequently shown as isolated and alone, and even his prolonged cigarette breaks add layers to a characterization that's surprisingly detached yet relatable. The various plot elements connect well as the movie unfolds, culminating in a man confronted with uncertainty that may also present an opening for advancement. This is a polished drama that strips away much of the usual fanfare surrounding politics, presenting us with a flawed but principled individual, and it offers a couple of hours of occasionally stimulating viewing.

Source on TMDB