Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

A group of men embarks on a difficult journey through the dimly lit rural landscape of Keskin. They are in search of the buried remains of the murder victim, Yasar Toprak, spurred on by their troubled past and the haunting memories of the crime.

Amidst the search, Kenan, the criminal, reflects on the troubling night he buried Yasar. His memories are muddled by his drinking and the disorienting surroundings of the rural area, making it difficult for him to recall the exact details of the event.

Prosecutor Nusret shares a dark story with Doctor Cemal about a woman who forewarned her husband of her demise following childbirth. This conversation veers into unsettling territory as they discuss whether her death was accidental or potentially a calculated act on her part.

Commissioner Naci steps in to prevent Cemal from giving Kenan a cigarette, hinting that Kenan must earn the privilege. This interaction adds tension among the group, highlighting the complex dynamics between law enforcement and the criminals they investigate.

The search party arrives at a nearby village where they encounter the mayor. He implores Nusret for financial assistance to open a morgue, as the community grapples with high mortality and the need for an appropriate facility for the deceased.

Suddenly, the group experiences a power outage triggered by a gust of wind. The mayor's daughter graciously offers them tea, and amidst the dim lights, Kenan becomes emotional and confides in Naci about a pivotal moment related to Yasar’s son, Adem.

While sharing tea, Kenan recalls revealing to Yasar that he is Adem's biological father. This shocking revelation led to a violent confrontation that culminated in Yasar's tragic death, marking a turning point in Kenan's life.

As dawn arrives, Kenan finally uncovers the long-buried body of Yasar. The authorities make a grim discovery; the body is tied up, revealing a sinister aspect of the murder and raising serious questions about its burial.

With no body bag available, the authorities awkwardly stuff Yasar's body into the trunk of Kenan's vehicle. This act reflects both the logistical challenges of their grim task and the emotions running high among the group.

Upon Kenan's return to Keskin, he is confronted by Adem and his mother, Gülnaz. In a surge of grief and anger, Adem throws a stone at Kenan, hitting him on the head, illustrating the profound pain caused by Kenan's actions.

In a private discussion, Cemal brings up a drug that can induce a heart attack, suggesting a darker motive behind the earlier woman's death. Nusret shows awareness of this drug, and the conversation hints at his ties to personal loss and infidelity.

Gülnaz confirms that the body unearthed is indeed Yasar's. The heartbreaking validation of her loss calls attention to the tragic consequences of the violence that ensued, which has now deeply affected the entire community.

During the autopsy, it is revealed that dirt found in Yasar's lungs indicates he was buried alive. This horrifying fact adds another layer of tragedy to the situation, showcasing the brutality of the crime.

Despite the grim revelations from the autopsy, Cemal decides to omit the details from the official report. This decision reflects the moral dilemmas faced by those within the medical and judicial systems as they navigate the ramifications of the case.

As the technician finalizes the autopsy, Cemal watches as the remaining Toprak family collects Yasar's possessions. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedy and familial losses that underlie the investigation and the events that unfolded.