Mondays in the Sun

The shipyard in Northern Spain shuts down, leaving many workers without jobs. This shutdown marks a turning point in the lives of the main characters, setting the backdrop for their struggles and camaraderie.

Several former workers, including Santa, José, Lino, Amador, Serguei, and Reina, frequently gather at the bar run by their ex-colleague, Rico. This bar becomes a sanctuary for them to maintain their connections and share their frustrations.

Santa emerges as the unofficial leader of the group, harboring dreams of traveling to Australia. Despite his confident demeanor, he faces personal turmoil surrounding a court case related to a protest he participated in.

José feels resentment as his wife Ana supports their family while he is unemployed. This disparity creates tension in their marriage and leads José to fear he may lose Ana to one of her co-workers.

Ana works long hours at a fish factory despite suffering from arthritis. She feels insecure about her looks as she struggles to balance her responsibilities at home while dealing with the pressures of work.

Amador, the eldest of the group, sinks into alcoholism after his wife leaves him. He stubbornly clings to the hope that she will return, despite his deteriorating living conditions.

Reina secures a position as a watchman at a local football club. He cleverly sneaks his friends into games, providing them with a brief escape from their daily struggles.

Nata, the landlord's teenage daughter, hires Santa to babysit. This leads to a casual gathering where the friends reminisce about their lives and the impact of the economic situation on their dreams.

During a night of drinking, Santa helps Amador home, leading to a profound conversation about their lives. Santa witnesses the neglected state of Amador's apartment, prompting him to reflect on his own challenges.

In a moment of revelation, Santa decides to confront his court case. He contacts his lawyer and, after seeing the restored streetlamp that symbolizes his struggle, he shatters it again, embracing his rebellion.

Upon arriving at Amador's home, Santa discovers that Amador has taken his own life. The friends come together for a funeral, honoring their lost companion and grappling with their own grief.

As José returns from Amador's funeral, he finds Ana contemplating leaving him. However, after a moment of compassion, she decides to stay, hiding her packed bags under a blanket.

While waiting for another job interview, Lino reflects on his life and the futility of his job search. This moment of introspection highlights the broader despair felt by the group.

The group gathers at the bar with Amador's ashes, sharing drinks in his memory. They embark on a spontaneous journey to scatter his remains at the shipyard, reflecting on their past camaraderie.

As dawn breaks, the friends enjoy their time on the ferry, ignoring their troubles. They delight in their youthful antics, creating a moment of joy amid their struggles, while a crowd watches from the terminal.