The Sea Inside Her

Ramón Sampedro experiences a diving accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. This traumatic event marks the beginning of his 26-year fight for the right to die. His condition fuels his desire for assisted suicide and shapes his outlook on life and dignity.

Ramón is put in contact with Julia, a lawyer working for an organization advocating for the right to die. She seeks to understand his situation deeply, and Ramón begins recounting his past and reasons for wanting to end his life, emphasizing the loss of dignity caused by paralysis.

Rosa, a local woman, visits Ramón and tries to persuade him that his life is still worth living. Ramón demands respect for his wishes and dismisses her, leading Rosa to leave upset. She later apologizes publicly on her radio show, rekindling their connection.

Ramón develops close bonds with both Rosa and Julia, who each show genuine concern and affection. Despite romantic feelings, Ramón remains resolute in his desire to die, seeing his death as his final act of autonomy.

Julia reads Ramón’s memoir, sharing his life story and struggles as a quadriplegic. Ramón imagines flying from his bed to visit Julia on the beach, symbolizing his longing for freedom. Julia is hospitalized after a stroke, and they exchange letters about their lives.

Ramón loses a court case opposing his right to die, a significant emotional setback. Rosa, distressed, visits him, and Ramón reveals his plan to end his life secretly, without implicating others directly.

A quadriplegic Catholic priest, Padre Francisco, attempts to persuade Ramón to choose life, citing faith and hope. Ramón, determined, refuses to be physically carried downstairs, and their disagreements highlight the emotional and spiritual conflict.

Ramón’s family and friends gather to discuss his wishes, revealing conflicting opinions about his right to die. Ramón remains unwavering, and Julia continues to support him, even as she admits her own plans to end her life due to her worsening condition.

Ramón and Javier collaborate to design a specialized wheelchair that allows him to appear in court. This innovation symbolizes his effort to fight legally for his right to die and maintain his dignity amidst opposition.

After his appeal is denied, Ramón prepares to take his own life. With the support of friends and family, he records a video narrating his death and ingests a cyanide-laced drink to end his suffering, fulfilling his long-held wish.