Die Adoption

Two adoptions, two fathers, two life paths. After Ilaria is taken in by a loving family in Naples through an initially unwanted adoption, his life leads him to Milan, where he achieves respect and wealth through hard work and humility. However, his marriage to Maria remains childless, prompting the couple to also choose adoption. Following an official assessment of their suitability, they are granted Mirco, a five-year-old boy from Bucharest. The parents raise him with care - but Mirco is different. He is unable to reciprocate the care and love he receives, nor can he emulate his father's diligence. The relationship between father and son becomes strained due to the latter's behavior, and what was once built faces decay. Karl Lubomirski's novella soberly yet touchingly depicts the relationship between a self-adopted, loving, and responsible father and his also adopted son, who is denied these qualities.