What Is Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) About?
The premise of Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) in 332 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling streets of Cochabamba, a film crew descends on a city already simmering with tension over the privatization of its most essential resource: water. Their purpose is to stage a sprawling historical drama about Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World, a story that will echo the violence and resistance of the 15th‑century conquest. Yet the very landscape they have chosen is alive with a modern struggle that mirrors those ancient clashes, turning the production into a vivid backdrop where past and present collide.
The project is shepherded by Sebastián, a Mexican filmmaker driven by artistic ambition but hampered by a shoestring budget. Alongside him is Costa, a pragmatic Spanish executive producer whose commercial instincts often clash with the director’s idealism. Their casting call draws hundreds of hopeful locals, and among them a magnetic young man named Daniel lands the role of the rebellious Taíno chief, while his daughter Belén is given a significant part as well. The chemistry between the foreign crew and the Bolivian community is charged, hinting at both collaboration and underlying frictions that will test everyone’s convictions.
On set, the line between performance and reality blurs. Anton, the actor cast as Columbus, grapples with his own demons, while crew members Juan and Alberto watch the unfolding drama with a mix of curiosity and unease. The everyday bustle of the city, the chants of protestors, and the stark beauty of the Andean surroundings infuse the film-within-a-film with a raw, almost documentary‑like texture. As the cameras roll, the cast and crew can’t help but confront the uncomfortable parallels between the conquest they are reenacting and the contemporary fight for basic rights.
The tone of the story is gritty yet lyrical, blending political commentary with human drama. Water, both a literal and symbolic element, threads through every scene, underscoring the enduring legacy of colonization and the universal quest for dignity. The film promises an immersive, thought‑provoking experience that leaves the audience questioning where history ends and present injustice begins.
What Happens in Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)?
The complete story of Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia), from the first scene to the last, in 616 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Mexican filmmaker Sebastián and his Spanish executive producer Costa arrive in the heart of Cochabamba, Bolivia, joined by their dedicated cast and crew, to create a historical film about Christopher Columbus’s daring journey to the New World. The film will explore the imposition of Spanish authority over the indigenous people of Hispaniola, culminating in the courageous rebellion led by Hatuey. With a keen awareness of his budget constraints, Costa opts to shoot in Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, leading to an overwhelming turnout of hundreds of eager Bolivian locals responding to open casting calls.
Sebastián chooses Daniel, a spirited local, to portray the rebellious Taíno chief, Hatuey. Alongside him, Daniel’s daughter Belén also secures a significant role, marking the beginning of their journey in the film. During casting, tensions arise when directors begin to turn people away. In a passionate outburst, Daniel demands that every aspiring actor deserves a fair chance to audition, echoing the promise made in the casting pamphlet. Despite Costa’s reservations about hiring him, Sebastián is captivated by Daniel’s fervor, unaware of his involvement in a local protest against the controversial water privatization plan.
As filming progresses, the atmosphere turns tense when Anton, the actor portraying Columbus, grapples with alcoholism. Costa’s unease grows as he discovers Daniel’s revolutionary activities. During shooting, Costa makes derogatory remarks about the locals in English, oblivious to the fact that Daniel can understand him. This revelation causes Daniel to become increasingly aware of the exploitation his people are facing, leading to a transformation in Costa’s perspective as he begins to feel guilt for his prior indifference.
As the shoot nears completion, the indigenous people’s frustration boils over, prompting them to rise up for their right to water. Daniel, defying pleas to tone down his activism for a higher pay, champions the protests, drawing Costa’s ire when he witnesses Daniel being brutally beaten by the police amidst the riots. In a desperate attempt to quiet Daniel, Costa offers him a substantial bribe, which Daniel accepts, but he chooses to assist the demonstrators instead, ultimately leading to his imprisonment.
Sebastián wrestles with his conscience, pondering whether the film can be finished, yet finds solace in Costa’s determination to secure Daniel’s temporary release by bribing the police to film a critical scene depicting the execution of Hatuey. After completing this harrowing scene, the police arrive to detain Daniel once more, but in a surprising turn, the extras come to his aid, orchestrating his escape.
That evening, actors Juan and Alberto watch the distressing news unfolding in Cochabamba, their concern prompting them to demand to leave the project. In a plea, Sebastián implores them to stay, and they reluctantly agree. The following day, as preparations for the next filming day ensue, Costa is approached by Daniel’s wife, Teresa. Desperate for help, she seeks Costa’s assistance in locating Belén, who has gone missing amidst the protests and is critically injured. Initially hesitant, Costa is eventually swayed by Teresa’s relentless appeals, even as Sebastián passionately protests against it.
Navigating the devastated streets of Cochabamba, Costa is confronted with the stark reality of their situation. After an arduous journey, they manage to find Belén. While her life is saved, her leg sustains severe injuries that may hinder her future mobility. Meanwhile, a military blockade halts the rest of the crew, leading all but Anton to abandon Sebastián to return home. Shortly after, the revolution leads to the ejection of the multinational water company, yet the city lies in ruins from the conflict. Expressing a glimmer of hope for the film’s completion, Costa receives a heartfelt gift from Daniel in the form of a vial of Bolivian water, signifying gratitude for saving his daughter.
Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival in Cochabamba” to “Closure and Hope”. Every event takes place in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
- 1
Arrival in Cochabamba
Mexican filmmaker Sebastián and Spanish producer Costa arrive in the heart of Bolivia, aiming to create a film about Christopher Columbus's journey to the New World. Their project seeks to highlight the impact of Spanish colonialism on the indigenous peoples of Hispaniola, laying the groundwork for the film's narrative.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 2
Casting Call
An open casting call draws a large crowd of eager Bolivian locals, reflecting the community's desire to participate in the film. Sebastián, recognizing the talent among the hopefuls, chooses Daniel, a passionate local, to portray the rebellious Taíno chief Hatuey.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 3
Tensions Rise During Auditions
During the auditions, the directors face backlash as they begin to turn away aspiring actors. Daniel stands up for the rights of these hopefuls, passionately arguing that everyone deserves a fair chance, which surprises Sebastián and raises tension among the crew.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 4
Discovery of Daniel's Activism
As filming starts, Costa discovers Daniel's involvement in local protests against a controversial water privatization plan. This revelation escalates Costa's unease about hiring Daniel, even while Sebastián remains focused on the film and its message.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 5
Columbus Actor Struggles
Anton, the actor portraying Columbus, faces personal demons as he grapples with alcoholism during shooting. The pressures of the film and the local conflicts around them contribute to the growing tension among the cast and crew.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 6
Derogatory Remarks
Costa makes insensitive remarks about the locals in English, unaware that Daniel can understand him. This incident initiates Daniel's realization of the exploitation faced by his community, leading to increased fervor in his activism.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 7
Indigenous Protests Erupt
As frustrations boil over among the indigenous people regarding their rights to water, they rise up in protest. Daniel takes on a leadership role, showing unwavering resolve despite Costa's urged caution and the risky climate surrounding their film’s production.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 8
Brutality of the Police
Amidst escalating riots, Daniel is brutally beaten by police officers while leading the protests. This shocking event serves as a rallying point for further resistance among the locals and provides a stark contrast to the film they are producing.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 9
Daniel's Imprisonment
Despite accepting a bribe from Costa, which was meant to silence him, Daniel chooses instead to stand by the protestors. This decision leads to his imprisonment, further igniting the tension surrounding the production and the personal stakes for the crew.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 10
Securing Daniel’s Release
Sebastián is conflicted about completing the film while worried about Daniel's fate. However, Costa's determination shines through as he arranges a bribe to ensure Daniel's release for filming a pivotal scene depicting Hatuey's execution.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
Show the other 5 events of Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Escape from Police Detainment
After filming the tense execution scene, police return to arrest Daniel again. In a surprising turn of events, the extras from the film rally together to orchestrate his escape, showcasing the strength of community amidst chaos.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 12
Concerns Among Actors
Following the incident, actors Juan and Alberto express their concerns about the situation in Cochabamba and demand to leave the project. Sebastián passionately implores them to stay, reflecting the crew's commitment amidst adversity.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 13
Search for Belén
Costa is approached by Daniel's wife, Teresa, who desperately seeks his help in finding their daughter Belén. Despite initial hesitation, Costa is moved by Teresa’s relentless appeals, showcasing the bonds formed under pressure.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 14
Finding Belén
After navigating the chaotic streets of Cochabamba, Costa and Teresa locate Belén, who requires urgent medical attention due to her injuries. Although her life is saved, the damage to her leg may severely impact her future.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
- 15
Closure and Hope
While the crew faces a military blockade and the imminent collapse of their film project, Costa receives a vial of Bolivian water from Daniel as a gesture of gratitude. Despite the turmoil, this signifies hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Where:Cochabamba, Bolivia
Who Are the Main Characters in Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)?
5 characters, among them Sebastián, Daniel and Costa: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- S
Sebastián
Sebastián is a Mexican filmmaker passionate about storytelling, driven by a desire to create a film that reflects historical truth. Throughout the narrative, he grapples with ethical dilemmas as he witnesses the exploitation of local people. He ultimately strives to balance his artistic vision with a growing awareness of the realities faced by his cast and crew.
- 🎥 Filmmaker
- 🤔 Ethical Dilemma
- D
Daniel
Daniel is a spirited local who embodies the voice of his community, deeply committed to the fight for rights and dignity. As the actor portraying Hatuey, he becomes a symbol of rebellion against both historical and contemporary injustices. His journey highlights his transformation from hopeful actor to a passionate activist amid the turmoil.
- 🏅 Activist
- 🎭 Actor
- C
Costa
Costa is the Spanish executive producer driven by budgetary concerns, often caught between his commercial interests and ethical responsibilities. Initially indifferent to local struggles, his character evolves through the events of the film, leading him to confront his own prejudices and motivations. His journey reflects the complexities of privilege in the filmmaking process.
- 🎥 Producer
- ⏳ Growth
- B
Belén
Belén is Daniel's daughter and a significant figure in the story, representing the impact of activism on personal lives. Her involvement in the film marks a connection to her father's struggles. Her fate becomes a pivotal point in the narrative, emphasizing the stakes of the socio-political conflict surrounding her family.
- 👧 Daughter
- 💪 Resilience
- T
Teresa
Teresa is Daniel's wife, driven by desperation to protect her family amidst the chaos. Her fierce determination to find Belén showcases the maternal instinct and the lengths one will go to for loved ones. She serves as a reminder of the personal costs of broader social movements.
- 👩👧 Mother
- 💖 Determination
Where and When Is Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) Set?
Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) is set in Cochabamba and Bolivia (Early 21st Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Early 21st Century
The early 21st century witnessed significant social unrest in Bolivia, particularly concerning resource management and indigenous rights. This period was marked by protests against privatization policies that affected people’s access to basic necessities. The conflicts illuminated the ongoing tension between indigenous communities and governmental authorities.
Where
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Cochabamba is a vibrant city in central Bolivia known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is often referred to as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its mild climate. The city gained international attention during the water wars, a series of protests against water privatization, highlighting the struggle of its people.
- 🌄 City
- 🌎 Historical
What Are the Themes of Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Resistance, Filmmaking and Sacrifice.
-
01
Resistance
The theme of resistance is central to 'Even the Rain,' as the characters navigate colonial histories while fighting against modern injustices. Daniel’s activism for his community against water privatization mirrors the historical rebellion led by Hatuey, showcasing the enduring fight for rights and dignity. This parallel highlights how past struggles continue to resonate in contemporary society.
-
02
Filmmaking
The process of filmmaking serves as both a narrative device and a metaphor for exploitation. As Sebastián and Costa endeavor to tell a historical story, they must confront their own complicity in marginalizing local voices. This theme sheds light on the ethics of representation and the power dynamics within the film industry.
-
03
Sacrifice
Sacrifice emerges as a poignant theme, particularly in Daniel's decision to protect the protesters over his financial gain. His willingness to face brutality for his principles speaks to the personal cost of activism. The consequences faced by his family further underline the sacrifices made in the struggle for justice.
What Kind of Film Is Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and confrontational drama that immerses the viewer in the gritty reality of a film shoot clashing with a violent protest, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally heavy viewing experience.
- tense
- confrontational
- urgent
- thought-provoking
- gritty
- somber
- colonialism
- social unrest
- exploitation
- activism
Content notes: police brutality, child endangerment, political violence, imprisonment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)? Test yourself on the story.
