Francesca, played by Sophia Loren, is a wealthy and beautiful woman who seemingly has it all - a loving husband, a luxurious lifestyle and a circle of privileged friends. However, her world comes crashing down when she discovers her husband's infidelity and the huge debts he has left behind. She turns to her best friend Cesare, played by Vittorio Gassman, for help and he advises her to sell all her possessions to pay off the debts and start afresh.
Francesca follows Cesare's advice and begins selling off her lavish belongings - her house, jewels, furs and even her beloved yacht. However, as she struggles to find work and make ends meet, she realizes that her once privileged life is now a distant memory. She is desperate for a way out of her dire situation and comes up with a shocking plan - to hold a lottery with the prize being herself.
At first, Cesare is horrified by her proposal, but she convinces him that it is her only option. He reluctantly agrees to help her organize the lottery and together they launch a publicity campaign to attract wealthy men to buy tickets. As news of the lottery spreads, it generates a mixture of shock, disgust and curiosity among the general public, but it also draws in a number of wealthy bidders.
As the lottery date approaches, Francesca begins to prepare herself for the possibility of a new life with an unknown man. She realizes that her plan is not without risks and that the outcome could be disastrous. However, she is also resolved to go through with it and see what fate has in store for her.
The movie, directed by Francesco Rosi, explores themes of love, betrayal, friendship and the lengths a person will go to in order to survive. It showcases the acting talents of both Loren and Gassman, who deliver powerful performances as two friends struggling to come to terms with their changing lives. The Raffle is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.