Silvestre

Set in 15th-century Portugal, a time of feudal lords, chivalric code, and territorial conflicts. Castles, manors, and royal decrees frame a world of spectacle and danger. The narrative weaves disguises, battles, and political machinations against a backdrop of medieval travel and pilgrimage routes.

The story unfolds across 15th-century Portugal, centered on noble estates and warlike, courtly settings. Key locations include Don Rodrigo's manor, a knight's castle, and the road along the Saint James Way where a mysterious pilgrim appears. The film blends courtly intrigue with rural and fortress locales, illustrating a world of arranged marriages, duels, and hidden identities.

👗 Gender & Identity

Sílvia's choice to disguise herself as Silvestre drives the plot, challenging strict gender roles. The film explores how reputation, power, and survival depend on appearances. Disguise becomes both a tool for agency and a trap that tests loyalty and desire.

🗡️ Revenge & Deception

The Pilgrim a.k.a. the Robber Knight uses multiple identities to exact vengeance on Silvia and Susana. He wields counterfeit identities as a weapon, with the severed hand motif foreshadowing a cycle of violence behind the masks. Deception governs interactions, warfare, and the climactic revelations.

💫 Empowerment

Sílvia's ascent from captive daughter to a knightly figure interrogates the limits of female agency. Her choices shape both war and court life, culminating in a union that challenges patriarchal structures. The ending suggests transformation and transcendence beyond traditional social roles.