The Sea Inside

At the age of 28, Ramón Sampedro suffers a tragic diving accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. This devastating event marks the beginning of his journey as he grapples with his new reality and loss of independence.

For the next 26 years, Ramón becomes an advocate for his right to die through assisted suicide. Bound by law and unable to end his own life without implicating his family, he faces numerous emotional and legal challenges.

After the passing of his mother, Ramón's care is transferred to his sister-in-law, Manuela. While Manuela supports Ramón, her husband José openly opposes his desire for assisted death, creating tension within the family.

Ramón is introduced to Julia, a lawyer with Cadasil syndrome, by his friend Gené. Julia becomes a passionate supporter of Ramón’s plight, and their discussions deepen his resolve to fight for his rights.

Rosa, a woman who learns about Ramón's situation online, attempts to convince him to embrace life. After a heartbreaking conversation, she leaves, struggling with her desire to support him while respecting his decisions.

Despite his insistence on wanting to die, Ramón starts to build a friendship with Rosa, who continues to visit him regularly. Her presence, along with her children's visits, begins to affect Ramón's outlook on life.

Julia urges Ramón to write about his life as a quadriplegic. This act of sharing his struggles ignites a sense of purpose in Ramón, as he begins to envision how he can advocate for others in similar situations.

Tragedy strikes when Julia suffers a stroke, leading to her hospitalization. Their communication shifts to letters, deepening Ramón's emotional connection to her as they both navigate their challenges.

When Ramón loses a pivotal court case that seeks to recognize his right to die, Rosa visits him in anguish. This moment reveals Ramón's near-final plans for his death, emphasizing the gravity of his situation.

Padre Francisco, a quadriplegic priest, attempts to convince Ramón to find a will to live through conversations relayed by a church boy. The emotional discussions create further tension between Ramón and his family, particularly with Manuela.

Ramón and his nephew Javier work together to create a specialized wheelchair. This innovative creation allows Ramón to appear in court, furthering his ability to fight for his right to die and reinforcing their bond.

Despite Ramón's efforts, the court ultimately denies his appeal for assisted suicide. This moment solidifies his resolve and exposes the harsh reality of his struggle against legal and familial opposition.

In a poignant final act, Ramón records a video message narrating the circumstances leading to his decision for assisted suicide. This heartfelt farewell serves as both a personal goodbye and a call for understanding.

In his last moments, Ramón consumes a drink laced with cyanide, concluding his long-fought battle for autonomy. His death symbolizes both personal liberation and the emotional turmoil left behind for his family and friends.