Ixcanul

In a quaint village at the foot of an active volcano, Maria and her family dedicatedly cultivate their coffee crops. The Kaqchikel villagers intertwine their age-old Maya traditions with elements of Catholicism, creating a unique cultural harmony.

Maria is betrothed to Ignacio, the plantation foreman, who represents stability and tradition. However, her heart longs for Pepe, a charming young worker with dreams of a future beyond their village.

Pepe paints an alluring picture of life in the United States, presenting it as a land of opportunities that Maria can only dream of. Intrigued and yearning for a better life, Maria contemplates leaving with him.

When Maria expresses her desire to travel with Pepe, he suggests a troubling condition—their intimacy. Despite the inherent risks of their journey, Maria's curiosity and desire lead her down a dangerous path.

As the plantation becomes infested with dangerous snakes, Maria's family faces increasing peril in their coffee cultivation. Ignacio departs for the city, leaving Maria with promises of returning to marry her.

In a moment of passion, Maria succumbs to her desires and shares an intimate encounter with Pepe. After their encounter, Pepe assures her that the likelihood of pregnancy is low, but unbeknownst to her, she soon finds herself expecting.

After spending his wages at the bar, Pepe disappears from Maria's life, leaving her heartbroken and alone. This abandonment serves as a pivotal moment, forcing Maria to confront the reality of her situation.

Maria's pregnancy enrages her parents who fear Ignacio's wrath for her actions. In desperation, her mother Juana seeks folk remedies to terminate the pregnancy, leading to a series of futile attempts that only increase their despair.

Determined to secure their future, Maria suggests driving the snakes away to replant their fields. However, their initial attempt is thwarted by yet another infestation, leading to further complications.

Juana informs Maria about a mystical 'light' bestowed upon her due to pregnancy, urging her to seek the help of a Mayan shaman. This decision marks a turning point in Maria's journey, as she seeks to reclaim her agency.

During the ritual with the Mayan shaman, Maria suffers a snake bite, which leads to a traumatic hospital visit. This incident represents not just physical pain, but also the emotional turmoil tied to her pregnancy.

After her ordeal in the hospital, Maria is devastated to learn that her baby did not survive. Uncovering the coffin, she is confronted with the painful reality that it only contains a brick and blanket, intensifying her grief.

Maria and her family courageously confront systemic barriers as they seek justice for their plight. Despite their attempts, the Spanish-speaking police dismiss their complaints, leading to feelings of helplessness.

Ignacio uses the unfolding events to manipulate the situation, effectively sabotaging Maria's chances for help. His presence casts a shadow over Maria's life, tightening his grip on her circumstances.

The film concludes with Maria donning traditional Mayan bridal attire, preparing to marry Ignacio. Although resigned to her fate, she carries herself with dignity, embodying the struggles and strength of her journey.