Beauty

Yolanda narrates her life in her native Wichi language and in a criollo village. She is 16 and lives in the Argentine North. She recalls her parents splitting up and her role as a maid for Sara, a woman who acts as her employer and guardian.

Guillermina, the mother of Yolanda, visits and shares advice about dealing with employers. She urges Yolanda to value her roots and to maintain a balance between work and culture. She also brings gifts from the monte as a reminder of home.

Sara plans the quinceanera for the only daughter with illusion and sacrifice while the criollo family remains large and finances are tight. The four other sons are a constant nuisance and money is scarce. Yolanda stays close, helping with preparations and keeping the household running.

Sara takes Yolanda and the girls to the hairdresser as part of the preparations. Yolanda fears cutting her hair but she trusts Sara. The hairdresser cuts her hair very short, catching Yolanda by surprise.

Yolanda is overwhelmed with sadness and feels her old support slipping away. Sara worries about losing the person she relies on at home. Antonella experiences a supernatural fear about what has happened.

Sara hires Amilcar to assist with household tasks. His pleasant presence brings comfort and his memories of childhood help Yolanda cope. Yolanda begins to recover from the sadness with his support.

Yolanda finds her hair tied away in a box and quietly ritualizes the braid. The braid represents a link to her native culture and a grandmother gift. This ritual helps her regain a sense of identity and strength.

Guilt leads Sara to take action to fix the cut. She arranges to return Yolanda to the hairdresser and has her hair permed to restore a more acceptable look. The act marks a turning point in their relationship.

Antonella prepares to perform her Spanish dance at the quinceanera. Yolanda watches with a mix of pride and sadness as the event unfolds. The family gathers to celebrate despite the tensions and expectations.

During the celebration, the braid of Yolanda is worn as an extension for Antonellas hair as part of the costume. She realizes the braid is a precious gift and a link to her culture. This moment deepens her emotional connection to her roots.

That night, Yolanda runs off from the party and flees back toward her community. She resolves never to return to her employer under the current arrangement. The escape marks a turning point in her path toward home.

The film closes with Yolanda speaking in her native language, listing what she cherishes about her culture. She highlights language, community and her worldview. The voiceover seals her new sense of identity and outlook.