The Burning Plain 2009

In Arriaga’s signature non-linear storytelling, this film unfolds like a carefully woven tapestry, revealing events in a sequence that challenges conventional chronology. While the plot may initially present itself linearly, it fails to capture the intricate, multi-layered essence of the original on-screen narrative.

The tale begins in the mid-1990s in a small town close to Las Cruces, New Mexico, just a stone’s throw from the Mexican border. We meet Gina, a devoted wife and mother of four, whose secret affair with local man Nick Martinez—who also has a family—is set to unravel a complex web of deceit and heartbreak. Unaware of this dangerous liaison, their teenage daughter Mariana discovers the truth, igniting a tragic series of events that will permanently change their lives.

In a desperate bid to end her mother’s affair, Mariana disconnects the gas pipe leading into Nick’s trailer and lights it on fire. The resulting inferno spirals out of control, engulfing the entire structure and tragically killing both Gina and Nick. Mariana did not intend to cause their deaths; her goal was merely to stop their illicit relationship. In the aftermath of the funerals, Mariana and Nick’s son Santiago embark on a tentative path towards healing, gradually building a bond overshadowed by their shared tragedy.

As time goes by, Mariana discovers that she is pregnant with Santiago’s daughter, prompting the two to flee to Mexico amidst disapproving glances from their families. In their new environment, they resolve to welcome the baby in secrecy. However, Mariana ultimately chooses to abandon her family and past life, adopting a fresh identity as Sylvia.

Fast forward over a decade, and we find Sylvia thriving in Oregon’s culinary world, where she works at a prestigious restaurant that demands both precision and grace. Nonetheless, her professional accomplishments are frequently overshadowed by the demons of her past, instilling in her a sense of impending despair and difficulty in establishing meaningful relationships. It is during this chapter of her life that a shadowy figure begins to observe her closely: Carlos, Santiago’s loyal friend and business partner.

An unforeseen accident involving their crop-dusting plane lands Santiago in the hospital, where he urgently requests Carlos to locate Sylvia, who has been eluding him since she left him and their infant daughter. Hence, an intricate tapestry of relationships, secrets, and unfulfilled desires begins to unravel, paving the way for a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and redemption intricately linked to the lives of these characters.

Given the linguistic barriers between Carlos and Sylvia, he takes a unique approach to express his intentions—by introducing her to Maria, her 12-year-old daughter who has endured years of estrangement from her mother. Their unexpected meeting is fraught with emotional weight, as Maria harbors skepticism about connecting with the mother who abandoned her. The encounter reaches a climax with Sylvia’s rushed exit, leaving both Carlos and Maria standing outside her home, feeling lost and betrayed.

Regretting her impulsive actions, Sylvia enlists the help of her friend Laura to find Carlos and Maria, setting the stage for an emotionally charged reunion. As they journey into Mexico, Sylvia embarks on a quest for redemption, fervently apologizing to Maria for her long absence. Their travels lead them to Santiago’s hospital room, where he lies sedated due to serious injuries. Tears flood Sylvia’s eyes as she bears her soul, acknowledging her past missteps and contemplating their uncertain future together. The doctor’s promise of recovery for Santiago offers a glimmer of hope, culminated by a narrative that, while bittersweet, holds the potential for healing.