Rome, 1953. Hal, an itinerant journalist finds himself on the steps of a palazzo, walking into a world of privilege and light. On a rooftop above the city he meets the mysterious Stella. Together they escape the crowded party and imagine a different life, even if it's just for a night. Stella vanishes all too quickly, and Hal is certain their paths won't cross again. A year later an Italian Contessa asks Hal to act as a reporter on a yacht skimming its way along the Italian coast toward the Cannes film festival. Stella is on board, and as Hal's obsession with her grows he becomes determined to bring back the girl she once was.