A straight-laced American businessman, Wendell Armbruster Jr., travels to a luxurious Italian island to retrieve the body of his deceased father, who died in a car accident. Upon arriving, Wendell discovers that his father was not alone; he had been having a secret affair for years with an Englishwoman named Catherine, who also perished in the accident. Navigating his way through the layers of Italian bureaucracy, Wendell encounters Catherine’s daughter, Pamela, who has come to claim her mother's body. Both grieving and confused, Wendell and Pamela are initially at odds but must work together to manage the unexpected complications surrounding their parents' deaths.

As they spend more time together, Wendell and Pamela uncover more about their parents' clandestine relationship, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. Along the way, they encounter various quirky locals and indulge in the laid-back Italian lifestyle, which forces Wendell to re-evaluate his own uptight nature. While handling practicalities and discovering secrets, they start developing a unique bond of their own. As unresolved issues and personal revelations come to light, their lives take unexpected turns that challenge their preconceived notions about love and happiness.