The Man Who Copied

In Porto Alegre, nineteen-year-old André Maciel leads a dull life as a photocopy machine operator at a convenience store. His aspirations to become an illustrator are repeatedly crushed by publishers, leaving him disillusioned and yearning for wealth.

André finds himself captivated by his neighbor Sílvia, who lives with her father. Each evening, he retreats to his room, where he draws his frustrations and watches her from his window, dreaming of a life that feels just out of reach.

One morning, André follows Sílvia to her workplace, ‘Sílvia’s,’ a luxurious lingerie store. Unexpectedly, she invites him inside and encourages him to consider buying a robe for his mother, which ignites a flicker of hope and responsibility in André.

In the evenings, André develops a connection with Marinês, a charming co-worker at his convenience store. She introduces him to Cardoso, who at first charms André with his sophistication but soon reveals a more self-serving nature.

André witnesses Cardoso’s failed advance towards Marinês, exposing his superficial charm. Marinês reveals her true motivations, indicating a gold-digging side that shakes André's faith in their friendship and the world around him.

As André grapples with his dwindling finances, he indulges in gambling with Cardoso using the counterfeit bills he printed. When he shares his belief in the winning combination ‘1 2 3 4 5 6,’ Cardoso ridicules him, deepening their rivalry.

The bond between André and Sílvia grows, and he proposes to her, which she initially resists. However, when he confesses about his counterfeit earnings, Sílvia is taken aback, prompting André to devise a plan that could jeopardize their future.

André and Cardoso embark on a bank heist after securing a firearm from the nefarious Feitosa. The heist is successful but take a dark turn when André accidentally kills Sílvia's father, Antunes, in their escape, sealing a fate that spirals out of control.

After the heist, André wins the lottery, but his excitement quickly turns to anxiety about claiming his prize. The victory feels tainted by the looming threat of recognition from the police regarding his involvement in the robbery.

With newfound wealth, André, Cardoso, and Marinês indulge in shopping sprees and luxurious experiences. André proposes to Sílvia again, but his hesitance grows as he fears her father's disapproval, putting a strain on their relationship.

André learns about Sílvia's indifference towards her father, but a clandestine meeting leads Antunes to recognize him. He demands half of André’s lottery winnings, creating a tense scenario that hangs over their plans.

André finds himself cornered by Feitosa, who has linked him to the bank robbery. Faced with threats against his life, André reluctantly agrees to pay Feitosa back, leading him to further criminal entanglement.

Sílvia confronts André about Antunes, revealing her knowledge of his criminal activities. She chillingly suggests that they eliminate Antunes altogether, further drawing André into a web of deceit and violence.

The group initially struggles in their attempt to eliminate Antunes, but eventually, they succeed and frame him for the bank heist. This act further solidifies their descent into criminality and betrayal among friends.

As the film concludes, the group gathers at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, reflecting on their choices. A surprising twist reveals Sílvia's hidden motives, intertwining their fates and showcasing her quest for identity and belonging.