Stay As You Are (1978)

In the historic heart of Rome, amidst its captivating landscape, Giulio Marengo, a seasoned architect mired in an arid marriage, stumbles upon the radiant and youthful Francesca, a student from Florence. This chance encounter sparks a May-December romance that is as intriguing as it is complex. Giulio finds himself dazzled by Francesca's allure, indulging in the effervescence of youth and love that he longs for, while Francesca, in return, is drawn to Giulio's seasoned charm and craves the depth and security of a mature relationship. However, their burgeoning affection is threaded with an uneasy suspicion. Giulio learns of a possibility that sends chills down his spine - he might be Francesca's biological father. This revelation haunts Giulio, yet his fascination with Francesca proves too potent to resist. She, on the other hand, is eager for a love that surpasses the ordinary, even if it means embracing a man who could potentially be her father. The labyrinth of their relationship becomes further complicated as Giulio's wife grows suspicious, his daughter, who mirrors Francesca in age and is expecting a child, strangely encourages this unusual affair. Giulio is caught in an intricate web of secrets and desires; should he voice his fears of incest to Francesca? And if she remains unfazed, what path should they tread? Meanwhile, his wife, despite sensing the changes in Giulio, yearns for the stability of their marriage. As the layers of this complex narrative unravel, the young and enigmatic Francesca emerges as the puppeteer of this melodrama, navigating the tumultuous currents of forbidden love, familial ties, and the intricate maze of human emotions. "Stay As You Are" is an exploration of the human heart and its uncanny ability to love, fear, and long, all at once.

Stay As You Are is a drama movie featuring Marcello Mastroianni.

Stay As You Are is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp and Night Flight Plus.

It is also possible to buy Stay As You Are on Amazon Video.