The Life Ahead is a 2020 Italian drama film directed by Edoardo Ponti, based on the novel "The Life Before Us" by Romain Gary. The film stars legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren in her first starring role in over a decade. The story is set in a seaside town in Italy and follows the relationship between Madame Rosa, a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute who runs a daycare business for the children of other prostitutes, and Momo, a 12-year-old Senegalese Muslim boy who was caught stealing Madame Rosa's purse.
Despite their rocky start, Madame Rosa takes in Momo and begins to help him navigate his difficult life. She teaches him important lessons and helps him to connect with his estranged father. The film explores themes of friendship, family, and forgiveness, as Madame Rosa and Momo form an unlikely bond.
Throughout the film, flashbacks reveal the traumatic experiences that Madame Rosa faced during the Holocaust, including being sent to a concentration camp and losing her family. These flashbacks explain her tough exterior and her strong desire to protect the children in her care. The Life Ahead is a touching film that tackles heavy topics with sensitivity and grace, and features an unforgettable performance from Sophia Loren.