Clara Manni, a beautiful but inexperienced actress, is thrust into the Italian film industry by a producer who sees potential in her. Her initial success catapults her to fame, but she quickly finds herself caught between artistic aspirations and commercial pressures. As she navigates the complexities of the industry, Clara's lack of experience and guidance becomes increasingly apparent. Her relationships, particularly with her ambitious husband who doubles as her manager, further complicate her efforts to maintain autonomy over her career choices. Clara's own desires conflict with the roles she is pressured to accept, leading her to question her place in a world that seems more interested in commodifying her beauty than her talent.

As Clara's career progresses, she encounters various filmmakers and scripts, each presenting different opportunities and challenges. The clash between her personal aspirations and the manipulative demands of those around her grows more intense. Clara's struggle for self-determination and respect within the film industry mirrors her search for identity and fulfillment beyond it. Balancing her professional and personal life becomes increasingly difficult, and the decisions she makes lead to unforeseen consequences.