The Middle of the World

Romão and Rose decide to leave Paraíba in search of work paying around R$1,000 a month, which Romão sees as the minimum to feed his children. They pack their five kids and begin a grueling bicycle journey toward Rio de Janeiro. The family clings to hope that better opportunities await them at the end of the road.

Along the way they earn some money by washing cars and performing Roberto Carlos songs. The small earnings keep them moving, but the family remains precariously stretched. The road tests their resolve as fatigue and hunger set in.

A criminal offers them work but, in a menacing tone, says he can only hire 'sons of bitches'. The family hesitates, recognizing the coercive and exploitative nature of the offer. The moment foreshadows how they will be pulled into precarious schemes.

They are promised jobs by Severino, a councilman from São Bento, but the arrangement drags on too long. Frustrated by the delays and hollow promises, they decide to move on instead. The detour marks a turning point toward taking risks for quick opportunities.

In Juazeiro do Norte they pray by the statue of Padre Cícero. Romão tries to lift the 'table of Padre Cícero' and faints after the attempt, a moment that feels like a blessing or omen. The event highlights their credulous hope for miracles on the road.

A lone traveler named Gideão directs them to Filadélfia to seek help from Neguiça, who is said to offer shelter. They follow his advice and head inland. The encounter pushes them farther from home in search of hospitality.

In Filadélfia Neguiça offers shelter but no steady work. Antônio tries to go to a local night party but feels out of place and flees. The family’s fragile optimism begins to crack under the weight of poverty.

In Filadélfia a church cash box is smashed and Antônio takes the money, giving in to temptation. Later, in Feira de Santana, Antônio uses that money to buy bus tickets to Rio for everyone. When Romão asks where the money came from, Antônio confesses, and Romão tears up the tickets.

They encounter Panamá and Callado, who recruit people of all ages for a supposedly great opportunity with no special skills required. Romão reluctantly agrees to allow the bikes to be taken on the truck plus three family members. The plan promises a fast path to a better life but feels like another lure.

The opportunity turns out to be a fake Pataxó quarup ritual in a Porto Seguro club, Caminho das Nuvens. Romão and three of his children dress as Pataxó while Panamá poses as a foreign entertainer. Antônio sneaks in, Romão leaves mid-ritual, and the family exits in frustration, realizing the deceit.

Antônio meets Sereia and spends time with her; the morning after, Rose reprimands him for his disappearance. He announces he will stay in Porto Seguro. Romão, disappointed, leaves with the rest of the family.

As they approach Rio de Janeiro, Romão arranges a bricklayer job for Antônio in a city far from Rio, hoping for a more stable future. The family continues their journey while still clinging to fragile hope. The plan foreshadows a life split between work and home.

The family arrives in Rio de Janeiro and visits Christ the Redeemer. Romão asks a man for directions to Brasília, signaling search for a new path. Rose declares she is not going back to the road, signaling a pivotal shift in their plans.