Beatriz at Dinner

Beatriz wakes up from a vivid dream that sees her in a rowboat in a mangrove swamp. She is confronted by the sight of a little white goat on the shore, setting a tone of introspection and connection to her past.

Starting her day, Beatriz tends to her two dogs and a brown goat in her bedroom. She engages in meditation and lights candles at an altar decorated with photographs of a man and a little white goat, reflecting her spiritual practices.

Beatriz drives her old Volkswagen, which struggles to start, to a local cancer center. There, she provides therapies such as massage and aromatherapy to patients, showcasing her dedication to healing.

Hurrying to Cathy’s residence in Newport Beach, Beatriz arrives late to a gathering for Cathy's husband's business associates. The opulence of the house contrasts sharply with Beatriz's humble lifestyle.

During a massage session, Beatriz and Cathy talk about Cathy's daughter, who had been Beatriz's client. This conversation brings up deep sadness for Beatriz as she expresses her concerns about a troublesome neighbor.

After her massage, Beatriz’s car fails to start. Cathy, sensing her discomfort, insists that Beatriz join them for dinner, despite her husband's initial resistance due to the importance of their guests.

The guests start to arrive, including Alex and Shannon, who discuss victories in local government. Beatriz feels marginalized, struggling to find her place among the affluent crowd.

Feeling increasingly alienated, Beatriz shares a personal trauma with Cathy, recounting her past separation from family and loss. This moment highlights her emotional state amidst strangers.

Dinner takes a sour turn when Doug rudely questions Beatriz's immigration status. This confrontation brings rising tensions as Beatriz begins to confront the realities of the wealth disparity around her.

Beatriz directly challenges Doug about the destruction of her hometown due to failed developments. The situation escalates when Doug brags about his hunting exploits, which horrify Beatriz.

In an attempt to bridge the gap, Beatriz retrieves a guitar and sings a heartfelt song. Instead of an apology, she criticizes the guests for ignoring the consequences of their actions on the environment.

After a heated exchange, Grant, Cathy's husband, forcibly removes Beatriz from the gathering. Beatriz is left vulnerable and reflective as she awaits a tow truck to take her home.

While waiting outside, Beatriz contemplates violent thoughts towards Doug as the evening spirals out of her control. This reveals her deep internal struggle and the suffocating realities she faces.

After the tumultuous experiences of the night, Beatriz walks into the ocean, letting the waves engulf her. This act symbolizes her profound sense of loss and search for peace in a painful world.

As the guests release sky lanterns above, the narrative flashes to the depths of the ocean, transporting us back to Beatriz’s dreams of the mangrove swamp. This imagery encapsulates her longing and unresolved grief.