The Dance of Reality

Young Alejandro lives in Tocopilla, Chile, with his Jewish-Ukrainian parents, Jaime and Sara. The family dynamic is complex, influenced by Jaime's staunch communist beliefs and Sara's artistic nature, creating a unique yet strained environment.

Jaime imposes strict expectations on Alejandro, believing him to be cowardly and too delicate. In pursuit of instilling resilience, he subjects Alejandro to various trials, including enduring discomfort and pain without resistance.

After enduring his father's tests, Jaime publicly acknowledges Alejandro's bravery, naming him as the mascot of the Tocopilla fire brigade. This recognition is pivotal, yet foreshadows the impending tragedy that will strike the family.

During a catastrophic fire, a fireman trapped in the blaze tragically succumbs to the flames. Alejandro is deeply affected by this event, fainting at the thought of death as he envisions himself lying in the casket next to the deceased.

Following the fire incident, Jaime's disappointment in Alejandro deepens. In a fit of anger, he burns Alejandro's mascot uniform, calling out his son's supposed cowardice and feelings of shame in front of the community.

In an attempt to restore his own reputation, Jaime makes a dangerous trip to deliver water to plague victims outside of town. His mission spirals into disaster as he loses his donkeys to slaughter and suffers from a terrible infection.

As Jaime battles illness and is caught in a military standoff, Sara takes a bold step to pray for his recovery. In an unconventional act, she urinates on him, which miraculously leads to his unexpected healing.

Revitalized after his miraculous recovery, Jaime plots to assassinate the right-wing president, Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. He attempts to carry out this plan at a dog show but faces a setback when his weapon misfires.

In a twist of fate, Jaime cleverly intervenes during the assassination attempt and spins a heroic tale to gain President Ibáñez's trust. This leads to him being hired as the horse groomer for the president's prized horse, Bucephalus.

Jaime's assassination plot thickens as he chooses to poison Bucephalus in hopes of eliminating President Ibáñez. However, when the critical moment arrives, he freezes in fear and is unable to complete his mission.

Amidst their family's turmoil, Sara teaches Alejandro how to confront his fears, particularly the darkness that surrounds him. They share a tender moment where she reassures him of her belief in Jaime's love for them and his aliveness.

In an act of hope, Alejandro and Sara tie a stone to a balloon, wishing it would reach Jaime wherever he may be. The fate of the stone becomes poignant as it lands on a thatched roof where Jaime lives in obscurity.

During his journey, Jaime is captured by Nazis and endures brutal torture. His struggle for survival becomes a testament to his resilience amidst overwhelming odds.

Jaime is eventually liberated by rebels, leading to a heartwarming reunion with his family back in Tocopilla. This bittersweet return is filled with reflections on his journey and the relationships he holds dear.

The story culminates as Alejandro, Jaime, and Sara board a ship, ready to leave Tocopilla and their troubled past behind. In these final moments, they embrace the promise of new beginnings.