Valentin 2004

The narrative unfolds in 1969 and is experienced through the eyes of Valentín, an eight-year-old boy marked by his cross-eyed gaze and the heavy burden of thick black-rimmed glasses perched on his face (Rodrigo Noya). Life has thrown him into the care of his grandmother (Maura) following his parents’ divorce. With aspirations of becoming an astronaut, Valentín closely monitors the fierce competition of the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. His mother, a Jewish woman, has been driven away from the family home by his domineering father, portrayed by Alejandro Agresti. Although he longs for her, his memories are but fleeting images of the past. His father, displaying anti-Semitic tendencies, occasionally visits but prefers the life of an Argentine playboy, ignoring the emotional needs of his family.

Valentín finds companionship in his uncle Chiche ([Jean Pierre Noher]) and his piano teacher Rufo ([Mex Urtizberea]), both of whom engage him in adult conversations, revealing his precocious wisdom. One day, at mass, a priest ([Fabián Vena]) speaks about the recent death of an Argentinian doctor, reflecting on the ideals of Che Guevara and the true sacrifices one must make for their beliefs. As audience members begin to leave, Valentín observes, “But just like my uncle said, the priest couldn’t change anything. Everything stayed the same.”

A significant moment arises when Leticia ([Julieta Cardinali]), his father’s latest flame, spends quality time with Valentín. Their day out—filled with a trip to the park, a movie, and a meal—turns introspective as Valentín reveals intimate details about his family, prompting Leticia to reconsider her relationship with his father. In a moment of clarity, she decides to end things, causing Valentín’s father to lash out in anger, placing blame on his son.

The plot thickens when Valentín notices his grandmother’s declining health, yet she remains adamant against seeking medical help. Determined, Valentín devises a plan to encourage her to visit Dr. Galaburri ([Carlos Roffé]), which ultimately leads to some positive changes in her lifestyle. In a gesture of gratitude, Valentín purchases a painting for the doctor’s office. However, tragedy strikes when his grandmother passes away after a hospital visit, leaving Valentín to stay with a school friend.

In a poignant moment, a compassionate man arrives to deliver a shirt sent by Valentín’s mother. Their conversation unravels truths about her prolonged absence, allowing Valentín to slowly grasp the complexities of his family dynamics. The film culminates in a heartwarming setup where Valentín orchestrates a blind date between Leticia and Rufo, who share a meal together. As the film closes, Valentín shares his newfound aspiration to become a writer, and we learn that Leticia and Rufo find happiness together, echoing the resilience that Valentín has developed along his journey.