Elderly patriarchal tyrant Don Silvio (a powerful debut performance by Jairo Salcedo) is very ill and has asked his two preferred grandchildren, Fernando (Gabriel Mejía) and Lucía (Alma Rodríguez), to take him to his ranch in the mountains and kill him. In return, they will inherit his property.
Silvio's life has been one of tremendous controversy, having fathered dozens of children in the region and experienced both great poverty and great wealth. Now old age has crept up on him and he desires to end his life with some degree of dignity. However, Fernando and Lucía actively resist Silvio’s demand. Meanwhile, the rebel forces in Colombia, who have previously kidnapped him thrice, also covet his land. Expansive cinematography and affecting symbolism deftly express the conflict as well as the psychological turmoil surrounding such a complex situation, while hinting at deeper social and political meanings.