AllMovie

An eight year old boy encounters a series of harsh realities over the course of one profoundly transformational summer in this somber family drama. Young Andres has just lost his mother in an unforeseen tragedy when his grandmother Olga agrees to take him in. Also living with Olga is Andres' absentee father Raul, who spent most of his son's childhood out of sight. As hard as Olga and Raul try to get Andres to nap, the curious young boy insists that he isn't tired, and begins to explore his new neighborhood. In time Andres uncovers a secret so frightening the locals refuse to talk about it: somewhere behind his peaceful façade exists an illegal detention facility where people go, and never come out. When Andres' innocent curiosity threatens dire repercussions, the lessons that he learns will give him greater appreciation for his grandmother's strength, and a deeper understanding of his father's shortcomings.