Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Bardo primarily takes place in Los Angeles, where Silverio lives and works as a journalist. The story also includes scenes in Baja California, representing a coastal retreat for the family, and flashbacks to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, which appears in Silverio's visions of the past.

• los angeles
• baja california
• chapultepec castle
• setting
• locations

Bardo unfolds in present-day contemporary times, set in the current era. The narrative reflects modern issues facing Mexican immigrants in the United States, including themes of migration, representation, and cultural identity.

• present day
• contemporary
• time period
• modern era

Bardo explores several interconnected themes centered around grief, identity, and loss. The film deeply examines the grief of losing a child, specifically Silverio's firstborn son Mateo. It also explores identity struggles as a Mexican immigrant navigating dual heritage in the the broader theme U.S., and of loss extending beyond personal tragedy to include severed family connections and historical trauma.

• grief
• identity
• loss
• themes
• mexican heritage
• immigration

Grief permeates the entire film through Silverio and Lucía's struggle with the loss of their firstborn son Mateo. The ashes they keep symbolize their enduring pain and difficulty finding closure. Their shared trauma shapes the family dynamics and creates an undercurrent of melancholy throughout the narrative.

• grief
• mateo
• loss of child
• ashes
• closure
• family trauma

Identity is central to Bardo as Silverio navigates his dual heritage as a Mexican living in the United States. The film addresses stereotypes surrounding migration and questions how one defines themselves amid societal expectations and personal history. This theme extends to his children, particularly Camila, who struggles with belonging and decides to return to Mexico.

• identity
• mexican
• immigration
• heritage
• dual culture
• belonging

Silverio Gama is a renowned journalist and documentary filmmaker who has achieved international recognition. He is the patriarch of the family, married to Lucía, and father to Lorenzo and Camila. The film follows his journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the burden of his past, particularly the loss of his son, while navigating complex family relationships and his professional identity.

• silverio gama
• journalist
• filmmaker
• protagonist
• main character

Lucía is Silverio's wife, portrayed by Griselda Siciliani. She embodies enduring strength as a mother grappling with the loss of her child. Her relationship with Silverio is defined by shared grief, love, and their joint quest for closure. She illuminates the emotional undercurrents that shape the family's dynamics throughout the film.

• lucía
• wife
• mother
• silverio's wife
• family

Silverio has two children: Lorenzo, a teenage son who serves as a bridge between past heartbreak and present aspirations, often reminding the family of their losses while also sparking moments of connection; and Camila, an emotionally depth-filled daughter whose decision to return to Mexico showcases her struggle with identity and belonging.

• lorenzo
• camila
• children
• son
• daughter
• family

Chapultepec Castle serves as a poignant setting for Silverio's vivid imaginings of the past, particularly visions related to the 1847 Battle of Chapultepec. This historical landmark connects personal memory to national history, reinforcing the film's exploration of loss on both personal and collective levels.

• chapultepec castle
• mexico city
• history
• battle of chapultepec
• memory

Bardo has a predominantly melancholic tone defined by constant grief for a lost child and existential angst about legacy and identity. The film is introspective and emotionally heavy, prioritizing atmosphere over traditional plot progression. Despite being classified as a comedy-drama, the humor is minimal, with sadness and psychological depth being the dominant emotional notes.

• tone
• melancholy
• mood
• emotional
• atmosphere
• sad