Without Men 2011

In a remote Colombian village, a mysterious phenomenon begins to unfold as all the men suddenly disappear, forcing the women to confront their new reality and discover their own strength and independence. This sudden void leaves women tasked with responsibilities traditionally handled by men, such as fixing vehicles, managing power and waste, and even leading their community. Among them is Rosalba ([Eva Longoria]), who steps into a leadership role, determined to reshape their society amidst the chaos. The villagers, initially overwhelmed, start to imagine a different way of life—one where they can survive and thrive without the presence of men.

Meanwhile, in the nearby jungle, Gordon ([Christian Slater]), an overworked journalist, is struggling to find a new angle for his reporting on a ongoing war. He is frustrated with his boss, who insists he needs a sensational story, even as he grumbles about his current coverage. When a young boy named John overhears Gordon talking about his struggle and offers a diary he bought as a way to inspire a better story, Gordon initially dismisses him. However, after learning that the diary belongs to Priest Rafael ([Oscar Nuñez]), he becomes curious. The diary holds the story of a small village called Mariquita, where the arrival of revolutionary insurgents has led to fear and chaos, echoing the larger war outside.

The story then shifts to the earlier days in Mariquita, where the revolutionaries, led by Camacho ([Paul Rodríguez]), arrive and demand to conscript all the men. The villagers, including Elias ([Luis Chávez]) and his wife Rosalba, scramble to hide from the threatening soldiers. Elias, anxious for his safety, pushes Rosalba aside as she tries to hide in their pantry, revealing his fear and the tension in their relationship, especially when he admits to an affair with Ubaldina ([Fernanda Romero]).

As Camacho’s men continue their campaign, the women—including Magnolia ([Judy Reyes]) and her brother Julio—try to protect themselves, with Magnolia disguising Julio as a woman to escape conscription. Meanwhile, Rosalba and Elias are caught in more personal drama, exposing their fears and secrets, including Elias’s betrayal. Camacho’s soldiers also visit the village, threatening to take the men, which leads Magnolia to help her brother disguise himself to avoid capture.

Priest Rafael, who is spared from being taken to serve in the army, discusses the importance of procreation with Rosalba, believing it’s essential for the survival of their community. He proposes that he impregnate the women, as a way to preserve the village’s future, which creates awkwardness among the villagers. The priest’s attempts at intimacy with Virgelina ([Yvette Yates Redick]) and Cecilia ([Mónica Huarte]) are filled with discomfort and awkwardness, revealing the strained relationships and the desperation of their situation. As more women line up to conceive, the priest begins to feel that his seed is failing, leading to feelings of disillusionment and rejection.

Throughout this period, the women of Mariquita start to take control of their lives. Cecilia and Cleotilde ([Kate del Castillo]) arrive in the village, with Cleotilde expressing her desire to stay despite the villagers’ concerns about their customs. Cleotilde’s love for reading and her desire for education spark a change in the women, who begin to question their roles and traditions. Out of this newfound hope, they start cultivating crops, cleaning, and reimagining their societal values, particularly by developing a new concept of time based on menstruation cycles, aiming to see themselves beyond the constraints of the male-dominated world.

Meanwhile, Rosalba and Cleotilde’s relationship gradually deepens, with Rosalba expressing her feelings through poetry, and their connection growing amid the backdrop of societal upheaval. Their affection becomes a symbol of the new society they are building—one based on equality, love, and mutual respect. The villagers, inspired by their leadership, start to form relationships, with Cecilia and Magnolia ([Yvette Yates Redick]) finding happiness together, and La Gringa and Lucrecia openly admitting their partnership.

As their society begins to flourish, Gordon’s arrival in Mariquita raises tension. He is caught between his journalistic curiosity and his desire to respect the villagers’ privacy. Driven by a sense of conscience and the villagers’ pleas for privacy, Gordon ultimately chooses to protect their peaceful way of life, deciding not to publish sensational stories that could bring outside attention and jeopardize their fragile society.

The story culminates with Elias reappearing, alive after faking his death to escape the chaos. His return sparks conflict as he attempts to reclaim his place as mayor, but Rosalba firmly refuses. The women band together fiercely to defend their evolving community, with some threatening violence, but ultimately, unity prevails. Rosalba’s love for Cleotilde is revealed in a heartfelt moment, symbolizing the acceptance and freedom that now define Mariquita.

As time progresses, the village continues to change. Virgelina expects a child with Angel, Ubaldina is happily married to Elias, and the villagers take pride in their collective effort to rebuild—women and men working side by side, sharing responsibilities and a new understanding of equality. Cecilia learns to lead, and the community thrives under their new societal values. The film ends on a note of hope, emphasizing that true strength and progress come from embracing change, love, and the collective effort of its people to create a better future.