As Luck Would Have It

Roberto, a former advertising executive, is unemployed and despondent about his ability to provide for his family. He goes to meet a former partner, Javier Gándara, only to be told there are no positions available. He leaves the meeting feeling like he has failed his family and his own ambitions.

At his wife's urging, Roberto drives to the hotel where they honeymoon, now the site of a museum and archeological dig. He wanders the grounds, reflecting on happier times and a stalled life. The atmosphere foreshadows the media interest to come.

During a pivotal press event on the dig site, Roberto panics and falls, and it is revealed that his skull has become impaled on a spike. Security guard Claudio informs him of the injury and goes to fetch help. The accident marks the start of a media storm and a life-and-death struggle.

Mayor Alcalde and museum director Mercedes attempt to delay the inevitable media circus, but reporters descend in force. Rumors circulate that the apparent accident may be more than an accident, fueling a rush of sensational coverage. The public narrative shifts toward a suicide storyline.

Luisa calls for medical help, but the EMT refuses to move Roberto for fear of causing further injury. Dr. Velasco likewise resists moving him without a plan, and officials debate how to handle the situation without damaging careers. The impasse locks Roberto into a precarious position on the site.

Facing the threat of financial ruin, Roberto decides to exploit the situation for money and hires an agent, Johnny, to arrange product placements and exclusive interviews. They plan to maximize attention by staying at the site, regardless of his condition. Luisa remains opposed, but she cannot stop him.

Media executive Álvaro Aguirre shows interest but only if Roberto remains onsite for a posthumous interview. He offers several million euros for the tape, but Johnny is unable to secure guarantees to seal the deal. The negotiations underscore the moral tension surrounding Roberto's fate.

Luisa grows increasingly wary of the exploitation and fires Johnny after he presses too hard or makes inappropriate moves. She even warns him not to approach Roberto again, signaling a shift in how the family will handle the media opportunity. Johnny’s leverage begins to slip.

Unaware that Johnny has been fired, Roberto agrees to a heartfelt interview with Pilar Álvarez, a local television reporter. Álvarez records the moment and hands the tape to Luisa, recognizing its enormous commercial potential for the right buyer. The family’s finances begin to look more hopeful.

Roberto is lifted from the spike and transported for surgery. He becomes delirious and bleeds heavily as he describes smells, signaling severe brain injury. The medical team works at the site to save him, but the prognosis remains grim.

Claudio consoles Luisa while they await Dr. Velasco’s report. Some time later the surgeon reappears with a grave assessment of Roberto’s brain damage and the long odds of recovery. The family braces for the worst as the outcome remains uncertain.

Roberto dies during the operation, sending the crowd into collective mourning and transforming the museum into a somber scene. The public spectacle slowly gives way to grief among his family and onlookers. Aguirre arrives and offers Luisa millions for the taped interview, but she refuses the offer, choosing Roberto's memory over the money.