Bear Cub

A gay dentist whose fast-paced social life is upended when he agrees to look after his nine-year-old nephew, Bernardo. The six-week arrangement forces him to slow down, reexamine his priorities, and reconsider how he connects with others, including his partner Manuel. The story later introduces the gravity of his health status, adding emotional and practical stakes to the guardianship situation.

A nine-year-old boy whose father is dead, Bernardo becomes the focal point of Pedro's life and a catalyst for change in Pedro's world. His presence prompts Pedro to rethink routines, schooling, and care. He bears warmth and vulnerability that shape the adults around him, even as external pressures mount (like Doña Teresa’s custody push). His relationship with Pedro anchors the film’s emotional core.

Bernardo's paternal grandmother who aggressively pursues custody, creating emotional pressure and conflict. She uses leverage, including medical history and investigations, to push Pedro toward a decision. Her actions catalyze the central tension and force Pedro to defend his role as caregiver amidst looming legal battles.

Pedro's partner, whose shared interests (including leather and latex) signal a depth of feeling Pedro has not fully admitted to himself. Their relationship navigates the changes brought by Bernardo's arrival and the evolving balance between care and romance. Manuel represents a steady, intimate counterpoint to Pedro's caregiving journey.

Bernardo's mother leaves for India and is later arrested there on drug-smuggling charges, triggering the embassy's notification and the threat of a long prison sentence. Her absence and the consequences of her actions propel the custody conflict and force Pedro to confront long-term guardianship. Her choices cast a long shadow over Bernardo's future.

A 14-year-old friend of Bernardo who appears in the film’s more intimate, social moments. He and the other teen help illustrate Bernardo's world beyond Pedro and the adults, including a scene at a funeral that underscores themes of friendship and coming-of-age.

A 14-year-old girl who is part of Bernardo's circle and shares in his late-teen social world. Her presence at pivotal moments emphasizes Bernardo's transition from childhood toward adolescence and the complex, evolving nature of his friendships.