Chop Shop

The film opens with Alejandro 'Ale', a 12-year-old orphan from Queens, waiting on the roadside with other men looking for work. With no luck in finding a job at that moment, he experiences the harsh reality of street life as he grapples with uncertainty about his future.

A pickup truck arrives looking for workers, but Ale is told he isn't needed. Determined to find work, he jumps into the back of the truck, much to the driver's surprise, but eventually receives some money for breakfast after being sent on his way.

Later that day, Ale teams up with his friend Carlos to sell candy and chocolate to passengers on subway trains. They manage to make some money during their endeavors, highlighting Ale's resourcefulness and adaptability in a tough environment.

After selling candy, Carlos informs Ale about a job opportunity at Rob's auto repair shop in Willets Point. Ale lands the job and is allowed to live at the shop, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Ale's older sister, Isamar 'Izzy', arrives and he helps her find work at a food van. This moment highlights their sibling bond and the ways they support each other as they both strive to make a better life.

Ale discovers a van for sale by Carlos' uncle that he believes can be transformed into their own food van business. Inspired by this idea, Ale and Izzy start saving their earnings with the goal of purchasing the $4,500 van.

One night, Ale and Carlos visit a truck stop and are devastated to find that Izzy is working as a prostitute. Although Ale is heartbroken, he chooses not to confront her, feeling a mix of anger and confusion about their situation.

Desperate to earn more money, Ale starts selling pirated DVDs, stealing hubcaps from parked cars, and working for another auto shop owner named Ahmad. His actions reveal his struggle to cope with the pressures of survival on the streets as he traverses moral boundaries.

Frustrated after overhearing a troubling phone call from Izzy, Ale steals some money from her and, along with their savings, purchases the van. However, he soon faces a harsh reality when he learns it needs extensive repairs.

After discovering that the repairs for the van would cost $10,000, Ale is furious at being conned by Carlos' uncle. An emotional confrontation with Carlos ensues, showcasing the mounting tension between friends as they face their disappointing realities.

In an impulsive decision driven by desperation, Ale snatches a woman's handbag at the stadium. His attempt to sell the stolen cellphone fails, leading to a confrontation with Izzy that reveals their shared burdens and pain.

After a series of wrong choices and feeling betrayed by his sister's circumstances, Ale decides to strip the van for parts, which only results in further loss. This moment signifies the extent of his despair and the disintegration of his dreams.

In a moment of rage and heartbreak, Ale confronts the man who is with Izzy at the truck stop. This encounter culminates in violence, showcasing Ale's desperation and protectiveness over his sister amid their precarious situation.

After returning to the auto shop, Izzy hides in the toilet, unable to face Ale. Their shared silence reflects the emotional chasm that has formed between them, leaving their futures uncertain as they struggle with their choices.

The film concludes with a poignant moment as Ale feeds pigeons the next day. The sudden arrival of the birds brings a smile to Izzy's face, marking a fleeting moment of joy amidst their turbulent lives.