Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Plot summary

An Argentinian in New York (1998) Plot Summary & Timeline

An Argentinian in New York (1998) movie poster

An Argentinian in New York is a 1998 comedy film directed by Juan José Jusid, running 1 hour 35 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 319 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for An Argentinian in New York.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
Loading streaming availability…
An Argentinian in New York (1998) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m
Director
Juan José Jusid
Genre
Comedy
Original language
Spanish
No spoilers

What Is An Argentinian in New York About?

The premise of An Argentinian in New York in 321 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the weeks leading up to her eighteenth birthday, a bright‑minded Argentine teenager steps onto a plane bound for New York, eager to soak up the energy of a study program that promises new horizons. The city is portrayed as a dizzying mosaic of neon lights, endless sidewalks and a rhythm that never quite lets you catch your breath, setting the stage for a story that feels both intimate and cosmopolitan. From the moment she arrives, the metropolis feels like a character in its own right—simultaneously inviting and overwhelming, a place where anyone can reinvent themselves.

Veronica embraces the foreign streets with a blend of curiosity and confidence, quickly discovering that the allure of the city matches the yearning she’s felt for independence. Her determination to carve out a life on her own terms hints at the classic coming‑of‑age tension between youthful ambition and the pull of home. As she settles into this new world, the possibility of staying longer becomes more than a fleeting whim; it turns into a quiet rebellion against the expectations waiting back in Buenos Aires. The film captures her internal tug‑of‑war through moments of laughter, music and spontaneous encounters, all while preserving the mystery of what lies ahead.

Across the Atlantic, Franco, a sentimental musician with a heart split between his own unfulfilled dreams and his love for his daughter, learns of her decision from afar. His reaction is a mixture of parental anxiety and reluctant admiration, propelling him on an impulsive journey to the United States. The contrast between his familiar, laid‑back Argentine life and the chaotic pulse of Manhattan fuels a series of light‑hearted misadventures that explore cultural clashes, family bonds and the inevitable question of when a child becomes an adult. The tone balances humor with heartfelt moments, inviting the audience to wonder how far a father will go to protect his daughter—and whether the distance between them can ever truly be bridged.

Full plot

What Happens in An Argentinian in New York?

The complete story of An Argentinian in New York, from the first scene to the last, in 319 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Franco De Ricci is a sentimental porteño musician, separated and carrying a few personal dreams. His daughter Verónica ‘Vero’ De Ricci is brave, attractive and intelligent, and she has a knack for getting what she wants.

While Veronica was traveling through New York, she unexpectedly decides to stay and build a life there. When Franco hears the news, he travels to visit her with the goal of bringing her back to Argentina.

Even though it’s hard for Franco to admit it, he will discover that in the months apart Veronica has grown up. She has formed a music band called The Verónikos, which debuts in a café and proves that they could carve out a place in the music scene. She has also fallen in love with an American boy, George, which will bring jealousy to her father.

The film unfolds in New York City, a vertiginous metropolis that is new to Franco and ripe with possibilities for misadventure. His quest to reconnect with his daughter leads to a string of humorous escapades across Manhattan, where language slips, cultural clashes, and warm misunderstandings color their days. Each encounter nudges them toward a deeper understanding of one another, turning his visit into a journey of surprises rather than a simple rescue mission.

Through these experiences, the father-daughter bond evolves in surprising ways. Franco learns that Veronica is no longer a teenager but a young woman pursuing her own path, while she discovers that her father’s love still anchors her even as she forges ahead.

Ultimately, the story blends lighthearted comedy with tender moments, showing how a father’s realization and acceptance can transform a life—and how a long-held dream can change once it meets the reality of a daughter’s independence. The narrative, rich with humor and warmth, captures a shared transformation in the heart of a bustling city, reminding us that growth often comes from letting go and embracing new beginnings.

Timeline

An Argentinian in New York Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “Franco's arrival in New York to see Veronica” to “Manhattan as a transformative backdrop”. 12 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Franco's arrival in New York to see Veronica

    Franco Ricci travels from Argentina to New York after learning Veronica has chosen to stay. He aims to persuade her to return home and restore the family balance. The unfamiliar and bustling city immediately challenges his expectations.

    When:early in the story Where:New York City

  2. 2

    Veronica decides to stay and mature

    Veronica decides to stay in New York and asserts her independence. She begins to mature beyond her teenage self, shaping her own dreams and future. This shift marks the first clear break in Franco's control over her life.

    When:early in the story Where:New York City

  3. 3

    Veronica forms The Verónikos

    Veronica forms a music band with friends, naming it The Verónikos. They start pursuing gigs and building a presence in the local scene. The band becomes the vehicle through which Veronica channels her ambition.

    When:early in the story Where:New York City

  4. 4

    The Verónikos debut at a café

    The Verónikos have their debut performance at a café in NYC. The crowd cheers as they demonstrate talent and chemistry, signaling potential success in the music industry. Veronica shines on stage, earning her father's mixed pride and worry.

    When:early to mid story Where:New York City, café

  5. 5

    Veronica falls for George

    Veronica falls in love with an American boy named George. The romance injects warmth into the journey but also sparks jealousy in Franco. The father fights the urge to control her love life while witnessing her growing maturity.

    When:mid story Where:New York City

  6. 6

    Franco faces Manhattan's pace

    Franco navigates Manhattan's pace and quirks, experiencing culture shock and a string of humorous misadventures. He clings to the idea of bringing Veronica back, but the city challenges his old beliefs. These episodes reveal his own vulnerability and willingness to adapt.

    When:mid story Where:Manhattan, New York

  7. 7

    Father-daughter bond amid city life

    Father and daughter bond and argue their way through the city, testing and strengthening their relationship. They discuss independence, dreams, and identity, finding common ground amid conflict. The laughing and crying moments help soften tension while driving emotional growth.

    When:throughout the mid story Where:New York City

  8. 8

    Veronica's rising music profile

    Veronica's music gains attention and the Verónikos begin to break through, suggesting a bright future. Franco is forced to confront Veronica's maturity and the fact that her life isn't under his control. The dynamic shifts from protective to guiding as trust deepens.

    When:late story Where:New York City

  9. 9

    Jealousy and a turning point

    Jealousy over George intensifies, creating a turning point in their relationship. Franco starts letting go of control while Veronica asserts her autonomy. Their conflict becomes a catalyst for change rather than a barrier to love.

    When:late story Where:New York City

  10. 10

    Realization of Veronica's womanhood

    A pivotal moment where Franco realizes Veronica has become a mature woman. The journey through Manhattan culminates in a renewed understanding between them. The experience leaves them both changed by the city.

    When:end of story Where:New York City

  11. 11

    Ending: acceptance and new chapter

    Franco supports Veronica's independence and their bond evolves into a stronger, more mature relationship. They reflect on the adventures that reshaped them and the city that framed them. The story hints at a future where father and daughter navigate life across borders.

    When:end Where:New York City

  12. 12

    Manhattan as a transformative backdrop

    Manhattan is portrayed as a vibrant backdrop that shapes every moment of Franco and Veronica's journey. The city provides laughs, music, and tears, acting as a catalyst for growth. The narrative emphasizes that personal transformation can blossom in the most unfamiliar streets.

    When:throughout Where:Manhattan

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in An Argentinian in New York?

3 characters, among them Franco De Ricci - Guillermo Francella, Verónica 'Vero' De Ricci - Natalia Oreiro and George - Steve Wilson: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Guillermo Francella as Franco De Ricci - Guillermo Francella in An Argentinian in New York

    Franco De Ricci - Guillermo Francella

    Played by Guillermo Francella

    A sentimental porteño musician who travels to New York to bring his daughter Veronica back to Argentina. He is affectionate, stubborn, and deeply protective, yet his initial jealousy gives way to acceptance as he realizes Veronica is becoming an adult. His journey is as much about reconciling family expectations with personal growth as it is about re-establishing their bond.

    • 👨 Father
    • 🧭 Family
  • V'

    Verónica 'Vero' De Ricci - Natalia Oreiro

    Played by Natalia Oreiro

    Brave, intelligent, and determined, Veronica has grown into a young woman who leads a band called The Verónikos. She navigates love with an American boy while pursuing her musical dreams in a foreign city. Her maturity challenges her father’s assumptions and tests their relationship, balancing loyalty to family with personal autonomy.

    • 🎶 Musician
    • 👩‍🎤 Artist
  • G-

    George - Steve Wilson

    Played by Steve Wilson

    An American love interest who captivates Veronica and stirs jealousy in Franco. He represents a new world and a symbol of Veronica’s independence and romance in the bustling city. His role pushes the family dynamics, contributing to moments of humor, tension, and growth.

    • 💘 Love Interest
    • 🗽 City Life
Setting

Where and When Is An Argentinian in New York Set?

An Argentinian in New York is set in New York. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

New York

New York is depicted as a vertiginous, bustling metropolis unfamiliar to Franco, offering a backdrop for his misadventures and his search to reconnect with his daughter. The story contrasts a sentimental Argentine father with the city’s fast pace, nightlife, cafés, and music venues where Veronica’s band performs. The setting highlights urban energy and cultural clashes that drive both humor and growth.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🗽 Immigrant Experience
  • 🎶 Music Scene
Themes

What Are the Themes of An Argentinian in New York?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family, Music and City Life.

  1. 01

    Family

    A father-daughter relationship drives the story, blending affection, conflict, and growth. Franco’s arrival in New York challenges Veronica’s independence, forcing both to confront how they see each other. The journey reveals that maturity comes with trust and letting go, even amid humor and tears.

  2. 02

    Music

    Veronica forms a band that signals her growth and ambition in the arts. The café debut and the wider music scene in New York provide a backdrop for personal empowerment and creative collaboration. Music serves as a bridge and a battleground between family expectations and personal dreams.

  3. 03

    City Life

    New York’s dizzying energy frames the story’s humor and challenges. The city’s diverse streets, venues, and crowds amplify the clash between traditional parental roles and modern independence. The experience changes how the characters see themselves within a big, anonymous metropolis.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is An Argentinian in New York?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A warm and gently comedic story about a father's journey to understand his daughter's newfound independence, blending sentimental family drama with light-hearted fish-out-of-water adventures in New York City.

  • heartwarming
  • sentimental
  • comedic
  • uplifting
  • nostalgic
  • light-hearted
  • father daughter relationship
  • fish out of water
  • cultural clash
  • coming of age

Quiz

How well do you remember An Argentinian in New York? Test yourself on the story.

Take the quiz
Loading streaming availability…
Read next

Movies Like An Argentinian in New York With a Plot Summary

One film close to An Argentinian in New York in story and themes that has a full plot summary here: Buenos Aires 100 km (2005).

All plot summaries

Missing a Movie Plot Summary?

Tell us which film you want explained next: the full story, the timeline, the characters and the ending.

Request a summary
FAQ

An Argentinian in New York Plot Questions

5 quick answers about An Argentinian in New York, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is An Argentinian in New York about?

In the weeks leading up to her eighteenth birthday, a bright‑minded Argentine teenager steps onto a plane bound for New York, eager to soak up the energy of a study program that promises new horizons.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does An Argentinian in New York take place?

An Argentinian in New York is set in New York. New York is depicted as a vertiginous, bustling metropolis unfamiliar to Franco, offering a backdrop for his misadventures and his search to reconnect with his daughter.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in An Argentinian in New York?

The story follows Franco De Ricci - Guillermo Francella (played by Guillermo Francella), Verónica 'Vero' De Ricci - Natalia Oreiro (played by Natalia Oreiro) and George - Steve Wilson (played by Steve Wilson).

All the characters

What are the main themes of An Argentinian in New York?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Family, Music and City Life.

The themes explained

Who directed An Argentinian in New York?

An Argentinian in New York (1998) was directed by Juan José Jusid and runs 1 hour 35 minutes.

Juan José Jusid’s films

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app