9.061 minSeason 1 • Episode 6
LatestModesta makes an extreme gesture that upsets the life of the villa and forces all its inhabitants to make a new beginning.
Born on the 1st of January 1900 in a poor family in rural Sicily, Modesta pursues happiness since her childhood without falling victim to the constraints of society. After a tragic event that takes her away from her family, Modesta is welcomed into a monastery, where she becomes the Mother Superior’s protégé thanks to her intelligence and stubbornness. Later, she arrives at the villa belonging to the Princess of Brandiforti, where she makes herself indispensable. This relentless process of emancipation goes along with a journey of personal growth and sexual awakening, which lead her to discover and claim the right to pleasure and happiness.
Acting
Tecla Insolia's volcanic, unpredictable presence.
Direction
Valeria Golino's unflinching, sensual eye.
Costume
Modesta's transformation from rags to weaponized elegance.
Creators
Valeria Golino, Valia Santella, Francesca Marciano, Stefano Sardo, Luca Infascelli
Tecla Insolia
Modesta
Jasmine Trinca
Madre Superiora Leonora
Guido Caprino
Carmine
Valeria Bruni Tedeschi
Principessa Gaia Brandiforti
Alma Noce
Beatrice
Giuseppe Spata
Rocco
Nika Perrone
Mena
Antonio De Matteo
Padre
Eleonora De Luca
Argentovivo
Lollo Franco
Antonio
Paola Pace
Suor Teresa
Mariella Lo Sardo
Suor Costanza
Giovanni Calcagno
Mimmo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Goliarda Sapienza's cult novel, banned for obscenity in Italy until 1998. The book was passed hand-to-hand like samizdat by Italian feminists.
Golino specifically cast Insolia after she walked out of her audition—Modesta's defining trait is refusal, and the actress literally embodied it.
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