Utama

In the arid high plateau of the Andes, an elderly Quechua-speaking couple, Virginio and Sisa, navigate their daily lives. They spend their days tending to their llamas and maintaining their household amidst the challenges posed by a harsh environment.

As Virginio's health declines, he chooses to conceal his condition from Sisa, wanting to spare her from worry. Despite his illness, he continues to hope for rain to ease their struggles with the drought.

With no rain and an empty village well, Sisa embarks on a daily trek to a distant river to fetch water. This arduous task symbolizes the dire circumstances the couple faces on the high plateau.

Clever, the couple's grandson, arrives to bring news from the city. The visit is tense, as he and his grandparents argue in Quechua about his intentions and the possibility of Virginio receiving medical care.

In a desperate bid to combat the drought, Clever and Virginio join local villagers in a ritual to invoke rain. The ritual reflects both their cultural heritage and shared hope for a better future.

After the ritual, frustrated villagers engage in a heated debate regarding their drought-related issues. Many contemplate leaving for the city in search of a better life, highlighting the struggle between tradition and modernity.

While tending to his duties as a shepherd, Virginio suddenly collapses. Clever discovers him unconscious and rushes him back to their home, raising alarms about his grandfather's health.

Upon learning of his grandfather's mysterious cough, Sisa presses Virginio to reveal his condition. Virginio, worried for Sisa's future, has a tense argument with Clever about moving to the city, reflecting differing values between generations.

Clever returns with a doctor, hoping to persuade Virginio to seek treatment in the city. However, Virginio, weary and resigned, remains steadfast in his refusal to leave his home, prioritizing his way of life over medical intervention.

As Virginio contemplates his mortality, he encounters various symbols of death, including a dehydrated llama and a condor soaring overhead. These elements create a rich tapestry that underscores his connection to life and death in the Andes.

Virginio discreetly prepares a tin box containing cherished photos and bits of gold for Clever. It serves as an inheritance, symbolizing his love and wishes for his grandson even after he's gone.

In a quiet moment, Virginio peacefully passes away in his sleep. His death marks the end of an era for Sisa and cleverly intertwines with the struggles the couple endured over the years.

The neighboring villagers gather to pay their respects at Virginio's funeral. The event symbolizes the community's shared loss and the enduring connections formed through shared hardships.

As the sun sets, Clever prepares to leave for the city after saying goodbye to Sisa. Their farewell highlight the emotional weight of what has been lost, as Sisa asks him to visit often despite their distance.

In the aftermath of her husband's passing, Sisa is left to shepherd the llamas alone. Under a thundering sky, she navigates her grief and uncertainty, showcasing her resilience in the face of solitude.