Behind the Sun

In the year 1910, the Breves family lives in the desolate badlands of Northeast Brazil, grappling with poverty and hardship. This challenging environment shapes the dynamics between the family members and highlights their ongoing blood feud with the Ferreiras, setting the stage for the story.

The Breves and Ferreiras are embroiled in a fierce blood feud, characterized by a relentless cycle of tit-for-tat killings over land. This bitter conflict has persisted for generations, governed by a harsh code revolving around the concept of blood and vengeance.

The narrative is propelled forward when Tonho's older brother is murdered, pushing him into a deep sense of obligation. Under immense pressure from his father, Tonho takes it upon himself to avenge his brother's death by targeting a son of the Ferreira family.

By avenging his brother's murder, Tonho unknowingly marks himself as the next target in the ongoing feud. This act escalates the cycle of violence and solidifies his role in the family's dark legacy of revenge.

The younger brother of Tonho, simply known as the Kid, becomes a poignant figure in the family dynamic. His lack of a name symbolizes the family's anticipation of loss, yet he remains a beacon of hope through his imaginative spirit and love for his elder brother.

Tonho's life changes drastically when he meets Clara, a vibrant circus performer who introduces him to a world of dreams beyond the harsh realities of his existence. Their connection sparks a glimmer of happiness amidst the oppressive atmosphere surrounding the Breves family.

Tonho and the Kid, now called Pacu, visit the circus where Clara performs. This outing deepens the bond between Tonho and Clara, allowing them to share moments of joy and connection that contrast starkly with their troubled home life.

As Clara yearns for deeper connections, she decides to leave her stepfather and join Tonho at the farm. Before leaving, she urges Tonho to meet her by the ocean, symbolizing hope and promise amidst despair.

Tragedy strikes when the Ferreiras, seeking vengeance, attack the Breves family. In the ensuing chaos, it is not Tonho who falls, but rather Pacu, whose death becomes a profound blow to the family and intensifies the existing conflict.

In the aftermath of Pacu's death, Tonho's father demands that he retrieve his weapon to avenge their loss, emphasizing the unyielding cycle of violence. However, Tonho finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of familial expectations.

Faced with his father's insistence on revenge, Tonho chooses silence and walks away, a decision that infuriates his father. This act of defiance leads to a violent confrontation, showcasing the deep emotional rift within the family amidst the ongoing tragedy.

In a pivotal moment, Tonho's mother intervenes during the confrontation, urging that the feud has lost all meaning. Her plea highlights the futility of their situation and suggests the need for reconciliation over revenge.

The film culminates with Tonho standing on a beach, gazing out over the vast sea. In this moment of melancholic wonder, he reflects on the shattered remnants of his past, embodying the emotional toll that family loyalty and revenge have taken on his life.