Italian President Mariano de Santis is about to retire, but he struggles with both personal and political dilemmas. He has seemingly unlimited power, but the loneliness of his vast palace weighs him down. He must make difficult decisions about a law that allows active euthanasia and two pardons for murderers, while the longing for his late wife, who gave his life color and freedom, haunts him. Called "reinforced concrete", he seeks justice and truth, but falters in his attempts to do the right thing. He is obsessed with the thought that his wife had a lover forty years ago, still in his circle. Toni Servillo has often portrayed such bitter, cynical power figures who nevertheless yearn for mercy in Sorrentino's films.