L'Avventura is a 1960 drama film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. Developed from a story by Antonioni with co-writers Elio Bartolini and Tonino Guerra, the film is about the disappearance of a young woman (Lea Massari) during a boating trip in the Mediterranean, and the subsequent search for her by her lover (Gabriele Ferzetti) and her best friend (Monica Vitti). It was filmed on location in Rome, the Aeolian Islands, and Sicily in 1959 under difficult financial and physical conditions. The film is noted for its unusual pacing, which emphasizes visual composition, mood, and character over traditional narrative development.

Plot

Three wealthy Italians—Anna, her boyfriend Sandro, and her friend Claudia—plan a Mediterranean yacht trip to celebrate Sandro's return from a long business trip. Before leaving, Anna visits her father, who senses that her relationship with Sandro is not going well. When Anna meets Sandro in Rome, the reunion is distant and awkward. Even so, the two eventually make love in his house while Claudia waits.