An affluent woman, Aurora Rodríguez, finds herself entangled in a clandestine affair with a clergyman, leading to the birth of her daughter Hildegart. From a tender age, Aurora takes it upon herself to homeschool and meticulously groom Hildegart into a prodigious talent, hoping she will be a force for change in the world.
Set against the politically charged backdrop of 1931 Madrid, this poignant tale unfolds with the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic. As the daughter, Hildegart Velilla, played by Patrick Criado, matures into a bright and capable teenager, she accompanies her mother to the editorial office of a newspaper. Here, they endeavor to get Hildegart's groundbreaking piece on female sexuality published. The task isn’t easy and hinges on convincing the editor, Guzmán, of the authenticity of Hildegart’s work.
During this time, Hildegart crosses paths with Abel Vilella, portrayed by Jorge Usón, a passionate activist. Their budding relationship adds complexity to the already strained dynamic between mother and daughter. The trio—Hildegart, Aurora, and their maid, Macarena—find themselves ensconced in a luxurious apartment, where Hildegart’s training continues diligently. Her writings garner attention, including correspondence with famed sexologist Havelock Ellis.
As the narrative progresses, an ominous threat looms as misogynistic graffiti appears in the stairwell of their building. Alarmed, Macarena discreetly passes a gun to Aurora, illustrating the dangers faced by women in this era. It is through Macarena that Hildegart discovers a disquieting family secret: the only man Aurora ever truly loved was her nephew Pepe, a fact that Hildegart had been entirely unaware of.
A significant turning point occurs when Hildegart delivers an ardent speech at a socialist meeting, passionately advocating for women’s rights and active political participation. Following this, their paths intertwine again during a book signing event, where the young girl’s admiration for Abel deepens into romantic feelings. However, Aurora’s keen awareness leads her to overhear Hildegart’s secret confessions to Macarena, prompting her to devise a plan to keep the two lovers apart, fearing that romance would distract her daughter from her grand ambitions.
A turning point arrives when Aurora receives an invitation to a piano concert by her nephew, Pepe Arriola, another prodigy she has shaped. Upon meeting him backstage, she discovers that the invitation was merely a ruse, orchestrated by Hildegart to secure a rare date with Abel without Aurora's watchful gaze. As the relationships complicate, Abel and Hildegart share their political disillusionments with Aurora, who is immediately suspicious of their leanings toward the Federal Party, which she perceives as dangerously anarchistic.
Their world comes crashing down when police agents storm in, arresting Abel on baseless allegations of being a serial rapist and feminicide. Heartbroken, Hildegart watches as her life spins out of control, exacerbated by the arrival of a new maid, who replaces Macarena. The chilling truth unfolds as Hildegart learns that her mother had manipulated circumstances, blackmailing Macarena into implicating Abel in crimes that were commit by Macarena's own husband.
Driven by a need for justice, Hildegart confronts Macarena and issues a stark ultimatum, threatening to expose her as an accomplice unless she clears Abel's name. With unyielding determination, Hildegart secures a travel ticket to London for herself and Abel, planning to escape the toxicity of their current lives. A family dinner provides a backdrop for an explosive revelation, where Aurora acknowledges her failures regarding Project Hildegart. In a shocking twist, she succumbs to despair, retrieving the gun and coursing into her daughter's bedroom. In a tragedy that leaves an indelible mark, Aurora takes her daughter’s life in a brutal act of maternal desperation.
Hildegart’s lifeless body is ultimately displayed in a glass casket, paraded through the streets of Madrid, as twilight casts a somber glow over the city. This harrowing tale not only reflects the tumult of a young woman’s potential but also lays bare the lengths to which a mother could go to strive for the ideals she holds dear. Amidst the chaos and echoes of ambition, the tragic end underscores the relentless struggle for female agency in a patriarchal world.
