Zama

Zama

Year: 2018

Runtime: 115 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Lucrecia Martel

Drama

In the oppressive heat of 18th-century South America, Officer Álvar Núñez Cepeda y Namуры, known as Zama, finds himself trapped in a frustrating bureaucratic standstill, awaiting a royal order that seems increasingly unlikely. Years of waiting and dashed hopes leave him vulnerable, exploited by a series of governors. Driven to desperation, he reluctantly joins a dangerous expedition to track down a notorious and elusive outlaw, embarking on a journey fraught with peril and uncertainty.

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Timeline & Setting – Zama (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Zama (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 18th century

The late 18th century was a period marked by colonial expansion in South America, with increasing tension between European powers and indigenous populations. Governance was often chaotic, and corruption was rife, as represented by the political machinations and personal struggles of the protagonist, Zama.

Location

Argentina, Lerma

The story unfolds in a remote Argentine outpost in the late 18th century, a place characterized by its isolation and encroaching colonial presence. This town is depicted as a crucible of tension and desperation, where its inhabitants grapple with the rugged wilderness and the ever-present threat of infamous figures like Vicuña Porto.

🌍 Location 🏙️ Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27

Main Characters – Zama (2018)

Meet the key characters of Zama (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Zama (Daniel Giménez Cacho)

Zama is a disillusioned colonial administrator trapped in a remote outpost, grappling with feelings of isolation and unfulfilled aspirations. His desire for a transfer and affection for Luciana drive him to desperate actions, revealing a complex character caught between duty and personal longing.

👨‍⚖️ Colonial Administrator 🌪️ Disillusionment 💭 Desire

Luciana Piñares de Luenga (Lola Dueñas)

Luciana is a beautiful, married noblewoman who captivates Zama despite his fruitless advances. She remains aloof and unattainable, embodying the object of Zama's unreciprocated desires and the societal constraints of her time.

👩‍⚖️ Noblewoman 💔 Unattainable 💎 Wealthy

Ventura Prieto (Juan Minujín)

Prieto serves as Zama's rival and embodies the challenge to colonial exploitation, advocating for the indigenous people. His connection to Luciana further complicates the rivalry, making him a significant counterpoint to Zama's frustrations.

🗣️ Advocate ⚖️ Rival 🌍 Indigenous Rights

Vicuña Porto (Matheus Nachtergaele)

Portrayed as a notorious figure, Vicuña Porto embodies lawlessness and danger. His presence looms over the narrative, challenging Zama's authority and triggering violent events that propel the story forward.

🚨 Outlaw ⚔️ Danger 🌌 Notorious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27

Major Themes – Zama (2018)

Explore the central themes of Zama (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Isolation

Isolation is a central theme in 'Zama', epitomized by the protagonist's longing for his family and feelings of entrapment in the remote outpost. This emotional distance reflects broader societal alienation experienced in colonial settings, where governance and personal aspirations clash tragically.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict permeates the narrative, not only between Zama and Vicuña Porto but also in Zama's internal struggle as he grapples with his ambitions and desires. The violent altercation with Ventura Prieto underscores the harsh realities of colonial rule and the exploitation of indigenous peoples amidst personal rivalries.

🔍 Desire

Desire drives the plot, as Zama yearns for an unattainable transfer to Lerma and romantic attention from Luciana. This pursuit of unattainable goals highlights the futility and desperation faced by individuals seeking fulfillment in a fluctuating social landscape.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27

Unlock the Full Story of Zama

Don't stop at just watching — explore Zama in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Zama is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Zama Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Zama, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Zama Summary

Zama Timeline

Track the full timeline of Zama with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Zama Timeline

More About Zama

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More About Zama

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