Elisa & Marcela

Set in the late 19th century, the world is defined by strict gender roles, Catholic norms, and limited social mobility. The era’s laws and social codes criminalize non-normative relationships and demand conformity. The narrative follows adolescence into adulthood, spanning separations, disguises, and a perilous pursuit of a life together across borders. A postscript notes that same-sex marriage would only be legalized much later in some places, underscoring the historical constraints the couple faced.

The story unfolds from the Galician coast around A Coruña and Cuoso in Galicia to Madrid, then travels through Portugal and finally reaches Argentina's Chubut Province. The Galician towns frame a conservative Catholic environment that scrutinizes intimate relationships. Portugal and Argentina function as escape routes that allow Elisa and Marcela to live more freely for a time, before new pressures push them to adapt or hide again. The settings highlight a transatlantic journey driven by love and the desire for safety.

🏳️‍🌈 Love & Identity

Elisa and Marcela's bond challenges the era's expectations for women and their capacity to define their own relationships. Their love confronts communal judgment and the risk of punishment for non-normative unions. The narrative centers on the courage to pursue authentic love despite social prohibitions. It also contemplates the long arc toward recognition of LGBTQ relationships in society.

🎭 Disguise & Deception

Elisa assumes the disguise of her deceased cousin Mario to marry Marcela, exposing the precarious balance between truth and survival. The masquerade tests the boundaries of gender roles and the consequences of hiding one's true self. The couple navigates secrecy, risk, and exposure in a hostile environment. The deception ultimately enables them to build a family and a future together.

🌍 Migration & Freedom

Facing persecution, Elisa and Marcela flee across borders—from Spain to Portugal and then to Argentina—seeking safety and autonomy. The journey emphasizes the resilience required to redefine home when institutions reject their relationship. It contrasts the kindness of some officials with the hostility of others, shaping a complex picture of exile and refuge. The tale ends with reflection on the costs and rewards of seeking freedom abroad.