Family Law

The film opens with a long narration that frames Ariel Perelman's life in Buenos Aires. He is a busy law professor who keeps his energy high and his professional world in constant motion. It also recalls that his wife has died years earlier and that he relies on his secretary for support.

Ariel becomes attracted to Sandra, a woman who attends his class. He signs up for the Pilates class she teaches to get closer to her. This marks the start of a romantic chapter that unsettles his carefully balanced routine.

Sandra is sued for teaching Pilates without approval from the company that holds the rights to the method in Argentina. The lawsuit creates tension around her teaching and drags Ariel into the legal fight by association. The conflict becomes a catalyst for their budding relationship.

Ariel reaches out to his father, the famed public defender, for help. With his father’s guidance, they mount a successful defense and win the lawsuit. The victory strengthens Ariel's bond with Sandra and changes the dynamics of their budding romance.

Sandra falls in love with Ariel and they marry, merging their lives and starting a shared household. She begins decorating their home and building a future together. Their union signals a shift from flirtation to a committed partnership.

Ariel and Sandra have a son named Gastón, who is described as a charming boy. The couple's domestic life centers on caring for him and guiding his early years. The child becomes a focal point for their family.

The university building where Ariel works is shut down for a month after it collapses. As a result, he takes an unexpected period of time off, which he does not share with Sandra at first. The break introduces new rhythms into their marriage and personal life.

During this break, Bernardo, Ariel’s father, starts spending more time with him. His increased attention makes Ariel worry that something is wrong, either with his father or the family dynamics. The bonding moment hints at underlying tensions beneath the surface.

A Swiss kindergarten invites Gastón to participate in a play and swim classes with the other fathers. At first, Ariel resists the idea of joining, feeling awkward about being a father in a public setting. He eventually agrees to participate, confronting his own fears and assumptions about fatherhood.

The film ends with Bernardo's death and burial. In the wake of this loss, Ariel engages in a long introspective look at his life in his 30s, considering his choices, relationships, and what he values most. The closing scenes provide a quiet meditation on aging and family.

Throughout the story, Ariel’s public defender work is described as energetic and hands-on, as he meets clients where they are to understand them. This proactive style contrasts with his later introspection about life and family. The habit reveals his character: practical, empathetic, and relentlessly active.

Ariel remains very close to his secretary, who has supported him since his wife died fifteen years earlier. Their relationship provides steadiness and companionship as he navigates new chapters in life. The bond adds a sense of chosen family to the drama.