Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths 2022

Silverio Gama, a seasoned journalist-turned-documentary filmmaker, finds himself navigating the complexities of life in Los Angeles with his wife, Lucía, and their teenage son, Lorenzo. As he ages, Silverio’s work evolves into a deeply personal yet subjective journey, culminating in his latest film, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, which blurs the lines between documentary and fiction, infused with autobiographical elements. Despite the apparent harmony in their lives, Silverio and Lucía are still haunted by the sorrow of losing their firstborn son, Mateo, who tragically passed away just a day after birth. They keep his ashes close, struggling to find closure.

Silverio’s daily existence unfolds in surreal moments where dreams, memories, and fantasies intertwine with reality. A striking encounter with the U.S. ambassador to Mexico at Chapultepec Castle leads him to envision a harrowing re-enactment of the 1847 Battle of Chapultepec, complete with the tragic suicides of the Niños Héroes, playing out in vivid detail around him.

Receiving the news that he will be the first Latin American to earn a prestigious American journalism award, Silverio grapples with the idea that this recognition may simply serve as a diplomatic gesture amidst strained U.S.-Mexico relations, fueled by stereotypes surrounding migration and current events involving companies like Amazon. Amidst increasing media scrutiny and the pressure to navigate his dual identity, he is torn between candid critiques of the Mexican state’s inefficiencies and defending its people against pervasive stereotypes. Meanwhile, a nagging guilt over his emigration to the U.S. continues to shadow him.

At a celebratory party honoring him, Silverio reconnects with his indifferent siblings and extended family, while his attention is solely captured by his daughter, Camila. However, when faced with a harsh critique from a talk show host, his frustration boils over, prompting a heated personal insult in response. Seeking solace, he retreats to the restroom, where he imagines reconciling with his deceased parents. Upon exiting, he is confronted by haunting manifestations of historical atrocities in Mexico: crowds of individuals symbolize those lost to organized crime, and a figure resembling Hernán Cortés stands atop a mass grave, admonishing Silverio about the indigenous genocide.

Before returning to Los Angeles, Silverio and his family take a vacation in Baja California, coinciding with Amazon’s acquisition of the region. In an unexpected turn, Camila expresses her desire to resign from her job in Boston and return to Mexico, a move Silverio cautiously welcomes. Together, they decide to scatter Mateo’s ashes in the ocean, but their return to the U.S. is met with disdain from a Hispanic-American customs official.

After a poignant reminder from Lorenzo about their pet axolotls and their untimely deaths, Silverio impulsively purchases some as a surprise. However, during their ride on the L.A. Metro, a sudden and violent stroke lays him low, leaving him unattended for hours. In a coma, it becomes evident that everything witnessed thus far is merely a reflection of his mind processing experiences and memories. While Silverio lies in a hospital bed, Camila steps up to accept the award on his behalf, surrounded by family and friends who share stories and play music that resonated with him throughout his life.

In the vast expanse of his mind, Silverio encounters his deceased relatives, choosing to ignore the living family members who surround him. He catches a glimpse of a doppelgänger that mimics his movements for a fleeting moment before it departs. The film concludes as it began, with Silverio envisioning himself soaring through the desert, leaving the audience questioning whether he has transcended death, awakened anew, or simply learned to coexist with his past struggles.