As the war’s momentum shifts decisively toward the Allied forces, Italian soldiers are increasingly abandoning their posts, and one such soldier, Sicilian "Pietro" (Giuseppe De Domenico), arrives wounded in the village named in the title, where people already know about his actions. The community is split on how to proceed, considering many have suffered losses during the conflict or remain unaware of their sons’ fates, but he finds an ally in the respected schoolmaster "Graziadei" (Tommaso Ragno). He develops a fondness for Graziadei's daughter, "Lucia" (Martina Scrinzi), and she seems to feel the same way. They marry, and things appear peaceful until the war finally concludes and he must return home to his mother. That’s when their seemingly perfect life begins to unravel as the reasons for his unanswered letters are revealed, sending shockwaves through the small village and impacting the "Graziadei" family deeply. While the general direction of the narrative is fairly straightforward, the characters are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, offering a glimpse into a family navigating not only the aftermath of war but also disease, tragedy, resentment, and bitterness among eight children who are maturing and developing their own ambitions regarding education, faith, family, and what lies ahead. Roberta Rovelli’s role feels somewhat smaller than I would have preferred as the mother of this varied group, but her subtle and thoughtful performance—playing a counterpoint to her proud and traditional husband by meticulously counting potatoes—provides a stable foundation for the story. The performances of the younger children were also quite enjoyable; their inquisitiveness and energy provide a welcome contrast to the more serious themes explored when the plot deals with issues such as betrayal, disgrace, and sorrow. The film is beautifully shot in a mountainous setting, and the changing seasons mirror the growth of a family that’s far from being like "The Waltons." It doesn't immediately grab your attention or offer neat resolutions; instead, it presents an observation of roughly a year in the complicated lives of a family, a village, and a nation. If you allow yourself to be immersed in it, it proves surprisingly moving.

Source on TMDB