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The August Virgin (2020) Plot Summary & Timeline

The August Virgin (2020) movie poster

The August Virgin is a 2020 drama film directed by Jonás Trueba, running 2 hours 5 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 280 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 10 key events in order, 2 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for The August Virgin.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
10
characters profiled
2
themes explained
2
The August Virgin (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m
Director
Jonás Trueba
Genre
Drama
Original language
Spanish
No spoilers

What Is The August Virgin About?

The premise of The August Virgin in 243 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the sweltering heat of an August Madrid, the city pulses with a riot of colors, late‑night street festivals, and the languid rhythm of summer that seems to slow time itself. The streets glow under the relentless sun, cafés spill onto sidewalks, and the air is thick with the scent of grilled olives and fresh rain that never quite arrives. This vibrant backdrop becomes a living character, inviting anyone who lingers to lose themselves in its warm, almost intoxicating maze.

Eva, a 33‑year‑old actress whose career has stalled, decides to abandon the usual exodus to cooler climes and instead embraces the solitude of staying put. Offered a centrally located apartment by a friend, she steps into the city with a quiet resolve to let the days unfold without a script. As she wanders through bustling markets and tucked‑away bars, she rekindles old friendships, meets strangers who share their own fragmented stories, and allows each encounter to echo the questions she has been carrying about purpose, desire, and identity.

Among the varied faces she encounters, one stands out: Agos, a fellow artist navigating his own uncertainties. Their paths cross in a moment of unexpected intimacy, hinting at the possibility of connection amid the city’s simmering heat. The film balances a playful, sun‑drenched atmosphere with an undercurrent of introspection, inviting viewers to feel the tension between freedom and longing that defines both the capital and the people who choose to stay within its scorching embrace.

Full plot

What Happens in The August Virgin?

The complete story of The August Virgin, from the first scene to the last, in 280 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

Eva, a 33-year-old actress grappling with the challenges of being out of work, decides to embrace her solitude rather than escape to a vacation in August. Choosing to stay in Madrid, she takes advantage of a friend’s generous offer to occupy his centrally located apartment. With a spirit of adventure, she sets out to discover the city, eager to allow her experiences to unfold organically. As she strolls through the bustling streets and pops into local bars, she reconnects with old acquaintances and forges new friendships, both with men and women.

One fateful night, as she meanders home during the early hours, her path crosses with a man she perceives to be on the verge of jumping off a bridge. Acting quickly, she engages him in conversation to divert his attention. This man is Agos, who was simply enjoying a solitary cigarette before heading to the bar where his girlfriend works. The very next evening, Eva, intrigued by their initial encounter, tracks Agos down at his workplace. Their conversation flows effortlessly, revealing that he, too, is an out-of-work actor, currently navigating life after separating from his wife and young daughter.

As their connection deepens, Eva finds herself at Agos’ apartment, and passion ensues. Following their intimate encounter, she reveals a significant truth: she is pregnant. Later, when Agos’ daughter inquires about her father, Eva finds herself at a loss for an answer, leading the little girl to quip that the situation bears resemblance to that of the Virgin Mary. In a twist of fate, this unexpected pregnancy intertwines their lives, sparking a narrative full of emotional depth and unforeseen connections as Eva and Agos embark on an uncharted journey together.

Timeline

The August Virgin Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

10 key events in the order they happen, from “Eva's Decision” to “Contemplating New Beginnings”. 10 events name a place, across 6 locations.

  1. 1

    Eva's Decision

    Eva, a 33-year-old out-of-work actress, decides to remain in Madrid during the sweltering heat of August instead of leaving for a cooler destination. She has the use of a friend's central apartment, setting the stage for her summer of exploration.

    When:August Where:Madrid

  2. 2

    Exploration of the City

    Embracing the spontaneity of life, Eva starts to explore Madrid on foot. She wanders the streets, dropping into various bars, where she hopes to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.

    Where:Madrid

  3. 3

    Meeting Old and New Friends

    During her explorations, Eva encounters old acquaintances and forms new friendships with both men and women. This vibrant social life begins to fill her days and gives her a sense of community in the city.

    Where:Bars in Madrid

  4. 4

    A Late-Night Encounter

    One night, while walking home in the early hours, Eva notices a man on the edge of a bridge whom she fears is about to jump. Acting quickly, she engages him in conversation to distract him from his apparent despair.

    When:Early morning Where:Bridge in Madrid

  5. 5

    Meeting Agos

    The man she attempts to help is Agos, who reveals he was simply enjoying a cigarette before heading to a bar. This initial misunderstanding turns into a meaningful connection as they share more about their lives.

    When:Early morning Where:Bridge in Madrid

  6. 6

    Following Agos

    The following evening, driven by curiosity and attraction, Eva decides to track Agos down at the bar where his girlfriend works. Their conversation continues, deepening their bond as they discover similarities in their struggles.

    When:Evening Where:Bar in Madrid

  7. 7

    Intimacy with Agos

    After a night of connecting emotionally, Eva accompanies Agos back to his flat. They share an intimate moment that changes the course of their relationship, marking a significant step in her life.

    Where:Agos's flat

  8. 8

    Unexpected News

    Following their intimate encounter, Eva reveals to Agos that she is pregnant. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst this life-changing news.

    Where:Agos's flat

  9. 9

    The Daughter's Question

    Later, when Agos's daughter asks about the identity of her father, Eva's honest but complicated answer leads to an unexpected comparison. The little girl innocently compares Eva's situation to that of the Virgin Mary, illustrating the child’s innocence and the weight of Eva's predicament.

    Where:Agos's home

  10. 10

    Contemplating New Beginnings

    As Eva reflects on her relationships and impending motherhood, she grapples with her loneliness and the realization of the choices ahead. This period of introspection leads her to reassess her dreams and aspirations as she wades through her new reality.

    Where:Madrid

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The August Virgin?

2 characters, among them Eva (Itsaso Arana) and Agos (Vito Sanz): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Itsaso Arana as Eva (Itsaso Arana) in The August Virgin

    Eva (Itsaso Arana)

    Played by Itsaso Arana

    Eva is a 33-year-old out-of-work actress who decides to stay in Madrid during August to explore the city and its people. Her character embodies curiosity and a yearning for connection as she seeks to combat her loneliness. As she engages with others, her journey reveals her resilience and vulnerability.

    • 🎭 Actress
    • 🏙️ Explorer
  • A(

    Agos (Vito Sanz)

    Played by Vito Sanz

    Agos is an out-of-work actor, separated from his family and struggling to make ends meet. His laid-back demeanor contrasts with Eva's quest for connection, yet their relationship blossoms unexpectedly. Through Agos, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of adult relationships.

    • 🎬 Actor
    • ❤️ Love Interest
Setting

Where and When Is The August Virgin Set?

The August Virgin is set in Madrid (August). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

August

The story unfolds during the summer month of August, a time when many people take vacations and the city feels quieter as locals escape to cooler destinations. Despite this, the heat of August in Madrid brings a sense of languid energy, encouraging impromptu social interactions and exploration.

Where

Madrid

Madrid is the vibrant capital of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and bustling lifestyle. The city comes alive in August as locals and tourists enjoy warm weather, outdoor activities, and lively bars. Its diverse neighborhoods offer a mix of traditional and contemporary charm.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌞 Summer
Themes

What Are the Themes of The August Virgin?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Loneliness and Unexpected Parenthood.

  1. 01

    Loneliness

    The theme of loneliness is central to Eva's journey as she navigates her life as an out-of-work actress. Despite being in a bustling city, she often feels isolated, which leads her to seek connections with others. Her interactions reflect the universal struggle of finding companionship in a crowded world.

  2. 02

    Unexpected Parenthood

    Unexpected parenthood emerges as a poignant theme when Eva discovers her pregnancy. This revelation complicates her relationships and leads to significant introspection. The film addresses the nuances of unplanned situations and the emotions tied to new beginnings.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The August Virgin?

Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Melancholic
Pacing
Slow
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Bittersweet

A slow-paced, deeply contemplative summer drama that follows a woman's solitary journey of self-discovery through Madrid, blending melancholic reflection with moments of warm, hopeful connection amid the intense heat.

  • contemplative
  • melancholic
  • solitary
  • warm
  • hopeful
  • atmospheric
  • self-discovery
  • unplanned pregnancy
  • summer in madrid
  • chance encounters

Content notes: suicidal ideation suggested.

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Where to watch

Where to Watch The August Virgin

Stream it on Fawesome and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Read next

Movies Like The August Virgin With a Plot Summary

5 films close to The August Virgin in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: The August Virgin (2019) and Late August, Early September (1999) lead.

All plot summaries

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FAQ

The August Virgin Plot Questions

5 quick answers about The August Virgin, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is The August Virgin about?

In the sweltering heat of an August Madrid, the city pulses with a riot of colors, late‑night street festivals, and the languid rhythm of summer that seems to slow time itself.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does The August Virgin take place?

The August Virgin is set in Madrid (August). The story unfolds during the summer month of August, a time when many people take vacations and the city feels quieter as locals escape to cooler destinations.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in The August Virgin?

The story follows Eva (Itsaso Arana) (played by Itsaso Arana) and Agos (Vito Sanz) (played by Vito Sanz).

All the characters

What are the main themes of The August Virgin?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Loneliness and Unexpected Parenthood.

The themes explained

Who directed The August Virgin?

The August Virgin (2020) was directed by Jonás Trueba and runs 2 hours 5 minutes.

Jonás Trueba’s films

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