Dust To Dust

Two cousins, Rodrigo and Rocco, join their families for Carnicero's birthday celebration. The gathering highlights a mix of affection and friction that defines their relationship. The elder statesman, known as El Abuelo, anchors a sprawling family home.

During the meal, the adults discuss Carnicero's will and Luis's upcoming marriage. Rodrigo and Rocco clash, stoking the grandfather's anger. After a furious argument with Luis, Carnicero suffers a heart attack.

Carnicero dies from the heart attack shortly after the confrontation. His death triggers the family’s scramble over the will and inheritance. The celebration quickly shifts to crisis and dispute.

A funeral mass is held, but the family remains divided over Carnicero's will. Debates focus on money going to a longtime friend, the fate of the car, and the big house. Rodrigo and Luis question who Carnicero truly intended to benefit.

Rocco resolves to honor Carnicero's wish to scatter his ashes in the sea at sunrise in Acapulco. He realizes that his father and uncles won't fulfill the petition and decides to take matter into his own hands.

Rocco steals Rodrigo's car and persuades his cousin to join him on the trip. They drive toward Acapulco, braving tolls along the autopista.

The boys arrive in Acapulco nearly out of money. A series of urn-determined decisions leads them to Felipe's restaurant, where they secure a loan, and they notice a hotel flyer that signals new possibilities.

Rodrigo wants Irina to accompany him to a disco; Rocco urges inviting Maria, the girl from the hotel. At the disco, Rocco struggles to dance but connects with Maria, and Rodrigo shares a moment with Irina.

During the night, the urn ends up on the dance floor and is misplaced while the group is out with friends. They eventually recover it and discover the ashes have been replaced by corn chips.

Back at the hotel, Rodrigo and Irina are locked out and cannot afford another room. They have sex in Rodrigo's car but are caught by the police; Rodrigo is arrested. Rocco uses his remaining money to bribe an officer and secure his release.

By morning, the ashes are missing and Pureza along with Rodrigo Sr. depart Mexico City for Acapulco. Luis stays behind as the search for the ashes looms ahead.

In Maria's house, the boys discover that Maria is Carnicero's illegitimate daughter, making her their aunt. Perla explains the complex family history to Maria, deepening the revelation.

Maria and Perla decide to bury the ashes but split them so both groups can scatter them later. Rocco gives Maria a watch left by Carnicero, and while they share a kiss, they recognize their complicated kinship. A warm friendship grows between Rocco and Perla.

Knowing the visit to Acapulco has brought closure, the trio spins the urn one last time to decide whether to scatter at sunrise or sunset. Sunset wins, providing a symbolic ending to the journey.

On the dock, Pureza and Rodrigo Sr. witness the boys' maturation as they board a boat. They say goodbye to Carnicero and throw the ashes into the sea, cementing a new bond between Rodrigo and Rocco.