White Material

Maria Vial, a white French farmer, is fiercely devoted to her family's coffee plantation in an unnamed African nation. Despite the chaos of an ongoing civil war surrounding her, she refuses to abandon her legacy and is determined to keep the plantation afloat.

Rebel forces, including armed child soldiers, draw closer to Maria's land as the civil war intensifies. The atmosphere on the plantation becomes increasingly perilous, with constant fear of an imminent attack.

The French military issues a final warning to Maria, urging her to evacuate for her safety. Defiant, Maria expresses her unwillingness to leave, resolutely clinging to her roots and the hope of a good harvest.

A rebel DJ begins broadcasting messages that incite the local rebels against symbols of colonialism. This further escalates tensions in the area, threatening the safety of Maria and her plantation.

As fear grips the plantation, Maria’s workers begin to abandon their posts one after another. Despite the mass exodus, Maria's determination to stay and harvest the coffee continues to drive her actions.

Maria embarks on a treacherous journey to find workers who can help with the upcoming coffee crop. She navigates through roadblocks filled with armed bandits, risking her life in the process.

During her journey, Maria stops by a school to collect her son, Jose, whose mother works as a housekeeper for Andre's father. This moment showcases her determination to protect her family amid the turmoil.

Meanwhile, Andre is negotiating with the local mayor, Cherif, who pressures him to sign over the plantation to settle his debts. This adds another level of stress to Maria's already strained situation.

Back on the plantation, Maria finds her son, Manuel, dazed in bed. After encouraging him to swim, he encounters armed rebels, leaving him traumatized and confused about his reality amidst the chaos.

In a twist of fate, Maria discovers a wounded rebel, known as 'The Boxer,' hiding in her barn. She decides to care for him, believing in humanity's potential for healing even amidst the brutality of war.

After the workers demand payment, Maria discovers the safe is empty, likely raided by Andre. Tensions escalate as a protest leads to violence, culminating in one of her workers being shot.

In a shocking turn of events, Manuel betrays his family by guiding the rebels back to their home. This betrayal leads to chaos as the rebels indulge in stolen supplies, marking a tragic turn in the family's fate.

As government troops reclaim control, innocent lives are lost including that of Manuel, who tragically perishes in a fire. This heartbreaking moment underscores the devastating impact of war on families.

In a moment filled with despair and anger, Maria confronts her husband's father, leading to a tragic confrontation in which she kills him. This act is a cathartic release of her pent-up grief and rage over the losses she has endured.

The film concludes with a lone rebel, holding the Boxer’s beret, venturing into the wilderness. This symbolizes the relentless spirit of rebellion amidst the destruction and suffering endemic to the war.