Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths

Silverio Gama, a seasoned journalist turned documentary filmmaker, navigates life in Los Angeles with his wife, Lucía, and their teenage son, Lorenzo. Despite the apparent harmony of their family life, they remain haunted by the tragic loss of their firstborn son, Mateo, who died shortly after birth.

Silverio's work evolves into a deeply personal film, intertwining elements of documentary and fiction. This film serves as a reflection of his life experiences, blurring the lines between authenticity and artistic expression as he grapples with his past.

Silverio and Lucía keep Mateo's ashes close, embodying their struggle for closure amidst their family's ongoing sorrow. This tension permeates their lives, affecting their relationships and interactions with the world around them.

At Chapultepec Castle, Silverio has a striking encounter with the U.S. ambassador to Mexico. This meeting catalyzes a vivid re-enactment in his mind of the tragic 1847 Battle of Chapultepec, highlighting themes of loss and historical trauma.

Silverio learns he will be the first Latin American to receive a prestigious American journalism award. This news forces him to confront uncomfortable realities about his identity, the stereotypes he faces, and the implications of his emigration to the U.S.

During a party honoring his achievements, Silverio reconnects with indifferent siblings and extended family. However, a harsh critique from a talk show host ignites his frustration, leading to a public outburst that exacerbates existing tensions.

Seeking solace from the scrutiny at the party, Silverio retreats to the restroom where he imagines reconciling with his deceased parents. This moment signifies his deep-seated longing for acceptance and closure.

Upon exiting the restroom, Silverio encounters haunting manifestations representing the loss of lives to organized crime in Mexico. The vision of a figure resembling Hernán Cortés serves as a stark reminder of his nation’s painful history and injustices.

Before returning to Los Angeles, Silverio and his family take a vacation in Baja California. Here, they decide to scatter Mateo's ashes in the ocean, a significant act of remembrance that brings both solace and reflection.

During the vacation, Camila shares her desire to resign from her job in Boston and return to Mexico. This unexpected revelation brings warmth to Silverio, showcasing a shift in family dynamics and aspirations.

Upon their return to the U.S., the family faces disdain from a Hispanic-American customs official. This moment highlights the pervasive tensions surrounding identity and belonging within the immigrant experience.

In a moment of impulsivity, Silverio decides to buy axolotls as a surprise for his family. This act serves as a coping mechanism, reflecting both the joy and sorrow intertwined in his family life.

While riding the L.A. Metro, Silverio suffers a sudden and violent stroke, leaving him unattended for hours. This critical event marks a turning point in his journey, leading him into a coma where he processes his memories.

As Silverio lies in a hospital bed, his daughter Camila steps up to accept the journalism award on his behalf. Surrounded by family and friends sharing stories, this moment emphasizes the legacy of Silverio's work and its impact on those he loves.

In the depths of his mind, Silverio encounters his deceased relatives while he ignores the living. The film concludes with an enigmatic vision of him soaring through the desert, leaving viewers to ponder the interplay between life, death, and personal reconciliation.