Marona’s Fantastic Tale

The film opens with the narrator, a dog, being struck by a car. This moment triggers a frame narrative in which her life unfolds as a montage of memories. We are told that the subsequent events are shown through her perspective as she lies injured on the street.

Nine is born to a street dog and a purebred dog, making her the youngest of a large litter. She is quickly given up and becomes a stray, beginning a life on the roads with uncertain future. Her first name, Nine, marks the start of her ongoing journey.

A traveling acrobat named Manole discovers Nine and brings her into his makeshift family. He renames her Ana and provides a humble, yet happy life as they travel and perform on the streets. For the first time, she experiences companionship and a sense of purpose.

Ana forms a deep bond with a human, becoming fiercely loyal and content with her current life. The attention and affection from her human companion give her a sense of belonging. This love reinforces her attachment to Manole’s life at the time.

Seeing Manole’s unhappiness as he dreams bigger, Ana makes the difficult choice to run away. She leaves behind the life and companionship she has known so far. The decision marks a new, uncertain future on the streets.

On the streets, a construction worker named Istvan notices the wandering dog and feeds her daily. He gives her the name Sara as she becomes part of his routine, experiencing kindness she had not fully known before.

Istvan brings Sara to his sick mother’s house for care. An accident at the house results in Sara being hurt, leaving Istvan conflicted about the best way to help her. Yet he decides to take her in himself, trying to create a home amid a difficult situation.

Although Istvan’s wife initially welcomes the dog, she quickly grows tired of having a pet. Sara senses Istvan’s unhappiness and concludes that staying would be a burden for him and his family. She decides to leave the home to seek another path.

In a park, a young girl named Solange discovers the dog and decides to take her in, naming her Marona. Solange lives with her single mother and proud grandfather, who are initially skeptical but eventually grow to love her. The dog begins a new chapter as part of Solange’s family.

Years pass and Solange, now a teenager, continues to care for Marona. The dog remains a loyal companion as they navigate daily life and Solange’s evolving world. The bond between them deepens as the family accepts her presence more fully.

One night, Solange ties Marona to a tree while sneaking off to a party, leaving her beloved dog behind. Marona escapes the tether and gives chase, driven by loyalty and curiosity. The moment marks a turning point in their relationship and the dog's perspective on human care.

Marona chases Solange through the streets and is ultimately struck by a car. The incident drives the frame narrative forward, as the dog’s life flashes before her eyes in the final moments. The movie closes on the collision, echoing the opening frame.