A Twelve Year Night

In 1973, Uruguay is engulfed in turmoil under a civic-military dictatorship. The National Army brutally suppresses opposition from leftist groups like the Tupamaros, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Three members of the Tupamaros—José 'Pepe' Mujica, Mauricio Rosencof, and Eleuterio Fernández Huidobro—are captured by the government forces. They find themselves imprisoned as hostages in facilities controlled by the oppressive regime.

The trio endures a grim existence marked by psychological abuse and repeated transfers between various military prisons. The government utilizes these tactics to impose torment while avoiding international scrutiny over their lives.

Under pressure from the families of the hostages, the military chief allows a rare moment of compassion by letting the men reunite briefly. However, they are warned to remain silent about the conditions of their captivity.

In 1975, Pepe is separated from his comrades and imprisoned in a grain silo. This extreme isolation drives him into a state of severe mental delusions, where he frequently hallucinates about his mother.

While in a different facility, Rosencof forges an unlikely connection with Sargento Alzamora. He helps Alzamora write a heartfelt letter to a girl he admires, showcasing the complexity of human relationships even in captivity.

In 1978, after years of torment, the trio is finally reunited and moved to a hidden underground prison. Unfortunately, Pepe is subjected to complete isolation once again, deepening his despair.

Their situation takes a turn when they are moved to a prison with improved conditions, and the military grants them special privileges. This tactic is revealed as a ploy aimed at misleading a visiting Red Cross delegation.

A bar of soap with mysterious inscriptions found on Huidobro leads to an investigation. His eventual exoneration comes at a price, as the military chief makes a grim statement about their failure to 'eliminate' the hostages.

After his mother’s belongings are confiscated, Pepe disrupts a military event near his cell. Consequently, he is ordered to see a psychiatrist, who promises to advocate for his dire situation.

In 1980, the government suffers a humiliating defeat in a referendum intended to entrench military power. This setback marks a significant turning point in the political landscape of Uruguay.

By 1983, the hostages find themselves in a new prison where Rosencof encounters Alzamora, who is now a chief guard. Alzamora expresses gratitude towards Rosencof, leading to newfound freedoms for the men under his supervision.

In 1985, after twelve agonizing years, the military decides to release Pepe, Rosencof, and Huidobro amid a wave of political prisoners during a general amnesty. This event allows them to finally reunite with their families.