Son of the Bride 2002

Rafael Belvedere, portrayed by Ricardo Darín, has been estranged from his mother Norma, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for over a year. While he keeps in touch with his father Nino, played by Héctor Alterio, his friendships have dwindled. Though he contemplates selling the family restaurant in Buenos Aires—established by his parents long ago—he ultimately decides against it. The arrival of his childhood friend Juan Carlos, an actor he hasn’t seen for two decades, rekindles their old bond and adds a touch of nostalgia.

However, Rafael’s life takes a sharp turn when he endures a heart attack. As he recuperates in the intensive care unit, he is confronted with the reality of his life choices, leading him to rethink his priorities. He dreams of selling the restaurant and relocating to southern Mexico to raise horses. Concurrently, his father expresses a desire to remarry his wife, a notion Rafael resists, fearing that his mother won’t be able to participate meaningfully in the ceremony due to her condition.

In the midst of this turmoil, Rafael decides to seek some independence from his younger girlfriend, Nati, leading to a painful breakup. Nati’s hurtful remarks about his lack of genius—mentioning names like Albert Einstein and Bill Gates—fuel Rafael’s determination to find clarity. The comedic twist lies in her reference to Dick Watson, a character from an adult film, which becomes a running joke throughout the story.

As he grapples with both his relationship dynamics and the complications surrounding his parents’ marriage, Rafael makes the bold decision to sell the family restaurant. He even persuades Juan Carlos to step in as a makeshift priest for his parents’ long-overdue wedding ceremony, since the Church won’t allow them to remarry due to canonical restrictions.

The film wraps up with the wedding festivities, where Rafael opens a new restaurant at a struggling location across from the old Belvedere. In a heartwarming finale, he reconciles with Nati, who gladly forgives him. Adding a hint of humor, Juan Carlos, intrigued by Rafael’s ex-wife, enthusiastically inserts himself into the scene, signaling new beginnings for all involved.