Maria Romano

Directed by Bruno Mattei and starring Laura Gemser, this cult 1980s exploitation film dives into the brutal world of a women's prison. A young woman goes undercover to expose injustice but finds herself facing sadism, betrayal, and rebellion. Controversial, provocative, and unfiltered, it's a standout of the Italian WIP (Women in Prison) genre.

Emanuelle, a reporter, comes just a little too close to exposing a corrupt official, and is sent to prison on trumped-up charges. In the prison, the inmates are constantly humiliated and tortured by the prison staff. Overly affectionate prisoners are forced underwater, while others are obliged to look on. Emanuelle finds an enemy in the deranged Albina, who "runs the prison."