Original Sin

The film opens in late 19th century Cuba under Spanish rule, setting a dramatic and tumultuous backdrop for the unfolding story. A woman awaits her fate by garrote, foreshadowing the dark events that will transpire throughout the narrative.

Luis Vargas, a prosperous Hispanic-Cuban businessman, invites Julia Russell, an American, to come to Cuba and become his bride. Excited yet anxious, Luis imagines a life filled with love and happiness upon her arrival.

When Julia arrives in Cuba, she is nothing like what Luis expected based on her photographs. She confesses to him that she chose to send a picture of an ordinary woman to seek a deeper connection beyond superficial admiration.

Within hours of Julia's arrival, Luis and Julia hastily arrange a wedding ceremony. Despite the whirlwind romance, Julia struggles with her inner turmoil, while Luis is swept away by the excitement of their union.

Julia's sister, Emily, grows increasingly worried about her sister after not hearing from her. To alleviate Emily's fears, Luis insists that Julia write back promptly, thereby maintaining a façade of normalcy.

As Luis includes Julia in his business dealings, it quickly becomes clear that she has been deceitful. Julia absconds with a significant portion of Luis's wealth, leaving him devastated and desperate.

Desperate to locate Julia, Luis teams up with detective Walter Downs, hired by Emily. Walter suspects that Julia may not be who she claims to be and hints at a larger, more sinister plot at play.

Believing in the love they share, Luis deceives Walter about Julia’s whereabouts. However, as the truth unravels, chaos erupts, leading to a confrontation where Luis shoots Walter in a moment of panic.

In a moment of desperation, Luis drinks a poisoned beverage intended for him, hoping to bind Julia to him forever. This act of love is complicated by his awareness that Julia has feelings for Walter.

The climax unfolds at a train station where Walter confronts Julia, threatening her life. Luis bravely intervenes, resulting in a struggle where he shoots and injures Walter, while Julia also takes decisive action.

As Julia's story reaches its tragic end, she concludes her tale before a priest, asking for his prayers. The following day, guards come for her execution, but a surprising twist reveals the priest disguised as Julia.

The film concludes in Morocco, where Julia observes a card game. As she remembers her tumultuous past, she notices Luis playing, suggesting a fate intertwined with their shared history.