Jonah and the Pink Whale

Jonah and the Pink Whale

Year: 1995

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: Spanish

Drama

Bolivia’s 1996 Oscar entry follows a schoolteacher in Santa Cruz de la Sierra who begins an affair with his wife’s sister, risking his marriage and confronting a dubious father‑in‑law. Photographer Jonas and teen Julia share a sensual romance in a damp basement lab, amid rising drug trafficking that links Julia’s family to a powerful narco’s son.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Jonah and the Pink Whale yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Jonah and the Pink Whale (1995)

Trace every key event in Jonah and the Pink Whale (1995) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jonás's Rejection of the Mausoleum Construction

Jonás is approached by Patroclo, his father-in-law, to supervise the building of an Egyptian-themed mausoleum outside Santa Cruz. He declines the offer, preferring to continue his career as a teacher, despite Patroclo's financial motivations and pressure. This decision highlights Jonás's initial resistance to material pursuits and family expectations.

1984 Santa Cruz de la Sierra
2

Jonás Celebrates His Birthday and Meets Julia

During Jonás's birthday celebration, he meets Julia, his rebellious and conceited sister-in-law, who defies family ideals. Their interaction hints at a complex and potentially dangerous connection, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Jonás's home
3

Julia Shares Her Alleged Rape Incident

The next day, Julia confesses to her family that she was allegedly raped earlier that morning. Jonás comforts her, revealing a growing emotional and physical closeness between them, contrasting Julia's rebellious nature with her sister Talía's innocence.

Jonás's home
4

Jonás Gets Fired from Teaching Job

Jonás is dismissed from his teaching position, ostensibly for political reasons. He suspects that Patroclo's influence played a role in his termination, marking the beginning of his disenchantment with his social environment.

Santa Cruz
5

Jonás and Julia's Photography Venture

Jonás begins setting up a photography studio in the basement, encouraged by Julia, who urges him to learn photography. This space becomes a clandestine setting for their developing relationship, symbolizing their secret love.

Jonás's basement
6

Julia Poses for Photographs and Their Affair Escalates

Julia undresses and challenges Jonás to photograph her, leading to them making love. The basement becomes a private space for their affair, with intimate photos of Julia marking their clandestine relationship.

Jonás's basement
7

Discovery and Consequences of the Affair

Old friends visit Jonás, revealing his secret affair with Julia. Ira, Jonás's mother-in-law, discovers the photos and reacts violently, sending Julia to the United States to punish her and isolate her from Jonás.

Jonás's home
8

Jonás Loses Job and Experiences Family Tension

Jonás is fired from the law firm after the firm discovers his affair with Julia, who is now abroad. Ira confronts Jonás with the photos, indicating her awareness of their relationship, and informs him about the mausoleum plans, intensifying family conflict.

Santa Cruz
9

Julia's Marriage to Benjamín Grigotá and Patroclo’s Banishment

While in the United States, Julia marries Benjamín Grigotá, the son of a drug trafficker. Upon her return, Patroclo forbids her from seeing him, but ultimately he is persuaded through drug money to sell Julia's freedom and complete the mausoleum.

Santa Cruz
10

Jonás Proposes to Flee and Gets Involved in Drug Trafficking

Jonás confesses his love to Julia and suggests fleeing Santa Cruz together, but she declines due to her husband's influence and lack of money. Jonás then takes a job smuggling drugs across the border to raise funds, risking his safety.

Santa Cruz / Border region
11

Jonás's Arrest and Torture

While working as a drug mule, Jonás is caught and tortured. It is later revealed that he was used as a decoy to hide the real drug movements, highlighting the peril and manipulation involved in his criminal involvement.

Border crossing
12

Return and Discovery of Julia’s Fate

Jonás returns to Santa Cruz to find that Benjamín has been killed and that Julia is presumed dead as well. He rushes to the scene where her body is being carried, devastated by the loss.

Santa Cruz
13

Flood and the Mummification of Julia

A torrential rain floods Jonás's photo studio, destroying many photographs. Julia's body is mummified and becomes part of a funeral procession to Patroclo’s pyramid, symbolizing her tragic end and Jonás's subsequent loneliness.

Jonás's home and surrounding streets
14

Jonás Is Left Alone

After the procession, Jonás is left alone, emotionally and physically devastated, signifying the tragic culmination of his love, rebellion, and the corrupt environment surrounding him.

Santa Cruz

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:15

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Jonah and the Pink Whale

Don't stop at just watching — explore Jonah and the Pink Whale in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Jonah and the Pink Whale is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Jonah and the Pink Whale Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Jonah and the Pink Whale, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Jonah and the Pink Whale Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Jonah and the Pink Whale

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Jonah and the Pink Whale. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Jonah and the Pink Whale

Jonah and the Pink Whale Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Jonah and the Pink Whale that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Jonah and the Pink Whale Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Jonah and the Pink Whale

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Jonah and the Pink Whale: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Jonah and the Pink Whale

Similar Movies to Jonah and the Pink Whale

Discover movies like Jonah and the Pink Whale that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.