Salvador

Richard Boyle, a veteran photojournalist, has spent more than two decades reporting on global conflicts. However, despite his dedication, his struggles with substance abuse and a battered reputation leave him struggling to find work.

Richard wakes up to the heart-wrenching news that his wife has left him, taking their child with her. This sudden abandonment plunges him into deeper financial and emotional turmoil.

In search of a new beginning, Richard teams up with his best friend Doctor Rock, a struggling disc jockey. Together, they decide to travel to El Salvador, believing there might be freelance opportunities amidst the chaos.

Upon their arrival in El Salvador, Richard and Doctor Rock are immediately confronted with the grim realities of the political turmoil. They witness the execution of a teenage student, a shocking event that starkly reveals the conflict’s brutality.

Richard seeks out a general he had met during the Football War, hoping to gain insight into the situation. They are taken to a makeshift army barrack, where Richard learns of U.S. military support for the Salvadoran government.

While in El Salvador, Richard reconnects with his former lover, María. This complicated relationship draws him deeper into the humanitarian crisis, as he grapples with his feelings of responsibility towards her and her children.

Richard and María attend a mass led by Archbishop Oscar Romero, a moment filled with hope that quickly turns to horror. An assassin silences the Archbishop, and chaos erupts as military forces open fire on the fleeing crowd.

Concerned about the human rights violations, Richard seeks to persuade the U.S. ambassador to pull support from the Salvadoran government. His impassioned plea is met with indifference, leaving him disheartened and frustrated.

In an effort to protect María, Richard becomes increasingly involved with the military. This involvement leads to tragic consequences, including the loss of innocent lives, heightening the stakes of their precarious situation.

Richard's friend and fellow journalist, John Cassady, is killed during a skirmish with the Salvadoran army. His tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the violent reality facing journalists covering the conflict.

Richard and María embark on a perilous journey through Guatemala and Mexico, hoping to find safety in the United States. Their adventure reflects both hope and desperation as they strive for a new beginning.

As they finally reach California, the couple faces immigration officials who halt their journey. In a heartbreaking choice, María decides to be deported with her children, leaving Richard behind to continue his fight.

The film closes with a glimmer of hope; María and her children are rumored to be safe in a Guatemalan refugee camp. Meanwhile, Richard remains in search of them, haunted by memories of the past.

Despite the obstacles, Richard returns to his life, determined to continue seeking out María and her children. The impact of John Cassady's published photographs lingers in his mind, serving as a reminder of the cost of war.