Buenos Aires 100 km 2005

Five friends begin to understand life is more than play

A group of five thirteen-year-olds discovers that life isn’t just about riding bicycles, playing soccer, or enjoying the summer. They sense that growing up brings new feelings and responsibilities beyond their familiar routines. The small town surroundings provide the backdrop for their transition from childhood to adolescence.

Guido faces his father's authority and occasional beatings

Guido works under his father’s orders, and the relationship is marred by occasional beatings. The abuse is a harsh constant that shapes his perspective on power and obedience. This sets a tense tone in his home life as he navigates adolescence.

Damián confronts identity as an adopted child

Damián, an adopted child, grapples with an identity crisis typical of the teenage years. He wonders where he belongs and how his origins fit into his sense of self. This inner conflict accompanies the external changes of growing up.

Matías endures nightly neglect from his parents

Matías is left outside his own house every night by his hateful parents. The neglect leaves him vulnerable and shapes his experience of home and safety. His nightly routine underscores the harshness of family life in the story.

Alejo discovers his mother has a lover

Alejo learns that his mother has a lover, a revelation that exposes the complexity of adult relationships. The discovery highlights themes of desire and perceived failures in men. It forces Alejo to confront intimacy and loyalty within his family.

Esteban’s role as goalkeeper and his family’s support

Esteban is the goalkeeper of the football team and stands at the center of the group. He draws strength and generosity from his family, helping him navigate friendships and expectations. This support contrasts with some other family dynamics in the story.

Puberty fuels curiosity about women and desire

As puberty kicks in, the boys become curious about women and their own desires. They begin to explore these new feelings while still negotiating with their parents and families. The hormonal changes mark a turning point in their relationships and inner lives.

The group starts spending time outside a hairdressing salon

The five friends start spending time near a women’s hairdressing salon, a setting that becomes a focal point for their growing curiosity. This location reinforces the sense that the world beyond home is becoming more accessible. They observe and discuss the adult world from a new edge of awareness.

The boys yearn to grow older and escape their town

Driven by a longing to grow older, the friends dream of a place beyond their small town. Their fantasy of leaving behind constraints and rules fuels their late-night conversations and plans. The dream anchors their efforts to navigate adolescence.

They balance personal desires with family pressures

Throughout their maturation, the boys must balance their emerging desires with the expectations and judgments of their families. They learn to navigate the push and pull between independence and belonging. This tension runs through their interactions and choices.

Friendship anchors the group amid change

The five friends lean on each other as they confront confusing feelings and changing dynamics. Their bond offers a stable ground as puberty and family issues reshape their lives. The group’s support becomes a quiet backbone of their experience.