Tear This Heart Out

Tear This Heart Out

Year: 2008

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: Spanish

Director: Roberto Sneider

DramaRomance

Through a young woman's eyes, the narrative follows her childhood, the Mexican Revolution, and her marriage to a revolutionary general. Written by a leading voice in contemporary Mexican feminist literature, the novel provides a haunting portrait of one woman's life while also depicting post‑revolutionary Mexico from a distinctly female viewpoint.

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Timeline – Tear This Heart Out (2008)

Trace every key event in Tear This Heart Out (2008) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Catalina Meets a Powerful Suitor

Catalina meets General Andrés Ascencio during a family outing in Puebla, and he begins paying her regular visits with gifts and praise. He shows a keen interest in her life and opinions, signaling the start of a powerful, potentially dangerous relationship. The dynamic marks the first spark of a relationship that will shape her years to come.

early 1930s Puebla, Mexico
2

Tecolutla Outing Sparks Connection

During a trip to Tecolutla, Catalina and Andrés grow closer, and she becomes curious about intimate aspects of life. Their bond deepens as they share private moments away from home. The encounter sets the stage for the future marriage and shifts in her autonomy.

soon after first meeting Tecolutla, Mexico
3

Marriage Proposal and Consent

Back home, Andrés proposes marriage, and Catalina eagerly accepts despite her family's concerns about her age. The engagement is met with cautious approval from some relatives and warnings from others. The couple's path toward formal commitment accelerates quickly.

early to mid-1930s Puebla, Mexico
4

Signing Wedding Papers

On the wedding day, Catalina signs the papers that bind her to Andrés, and he asserts a controlling stance over her behavior within the family. Her father and friends watch with mixed feelings as the ceremony seals their alliance. The moment crystallizes a power dynamic that will shape their years together.

wedding day Puebla, Mexico
5

Idyllic Life at the Hacienda and City

The couple divides their time between a city home in Puebla and a flourishing hacienda, enjoying a privileged lifestyle. Catalina experiences the comforts of wealth and the intimacy of a romanticized partnership. Yet the relationship remains uneasy under the surface as Andrés' temper and dismissive attitudes surface in private conversations.

early to mid-1930s Puebla city and hacienda
6

Dam Plan and Community Displacement

Andrés begins pressing ahead with plans to flood a valley to build an electric dam, threatening the homes and livelihoods of local farmers. Catalina wrestles with concern for the people affected, while Mike Heiss's business dealings cast a shadow over the couple's world. The dam project exposes the cost of Andrés' ambitions and the crack in their idyll.

1930s Puebla valley region
7

Neighbors, Business, and Tensions

Arrangements with the American neighbor Mike Heiss introduce murkier business ties behind the scenes. Catalina's attempts to speak up or intervene are dismissed by Andrés as meddling from a 'busybody' wife. The tension between public power and private control deepens.

mid-1930s Puebla/Hacienda
8

Arrest and Release

Andrés is arrested on murder allegations, an ordeal that reveals how volatile political life can be. He is released days later, leaving Catalina to navigate her own loyalties and fears. The event underscores the precarious nature of their life together.

mid- to late-1930s Puebla, Mexico
9

Pregnancy and Infidelity Revealed

Not long after she discovers she is pregnant, Catalina sees Andrés embracing another woman, revealing his infidelities. He dismisses her anger and acts as if nothing has changed, leaving her to cope with loneliness. The news marks a turning point in their relationship.

mid- to late-1930s Puebla, Mexico
10

Seeking Companionship Elsewhere

With Andrés occupied by politics and travel, Catalina feels increasingly isolated and seeks companionship with a childhood friend to ease her loneliness. The quiet arrangement hints at a broader loneliness and unfulfilled desires. The pregnancy continues to reshape their bond as time passes.

late 1930s Puebla, Mexico
11

A New Baby Joins the Family

Years pass and another baby is born into the couple, renewing the sense of family despite ongoing tensions. Catalina's social role as governor's wife is tested by the demands of motherhood and public life. The household expands as the marriage continues.

years later Puebla, Mexico
12

New Additions: Two More Children

Andrés brings two children of his own to live with them, presenting them as the offspring of his first wife who died of typhus during the Revolution. Catalina grows attached to the 12-year-old daughter and accepts the blended family, while privately suspecting that the children's real mother might still be alive in Veracruz. She notes inconsistencies in his stories and wonders about the truth.

several years later Puebla, Mexico
13

Veracruz Secrets and Trust Tested

The truth about the supposed first wife and the Veracruz connection unsettles Catalina, who begins to question what she has been told. The larger political and personal pressures intensify as she navigates a life in the public eye. Veracruz becomes a symbol of secrets kept behind the scenes.

around the same period Veracruz, Mexico
14

Governorial Bid Begins

Andrés announces his candidacy for Governor of Puebla, leveraging his position and ambitions to win the support of allies and voters. Catalina accompanies him on campaign trips and speaks to poorer constituents, presenting a polished image of progress and stability. The bid marks a pivotal shift from domestic life to public power.

late 1930s Puebla state, Mexico
15

Campaign Trail and Public Scrutiny

Across campaign routes and speeches, Andrés positions himself as a force for change in Puebla. Catalina's role as political wife becomes increasingly demanding as the couple navigates public scrutiny and private discord. The arc ends with the couple facing the consequences of power, ambition, and betrayal.

late 1930s Puebla state, Mexico

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:50

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