Romería

Synopsis

Marina, a young woman in her twenties, travels to Vigo to meet her biological father's family, a side of her history shrouded in silence since his death from AIDS-related complications. Her father and mother were part of a generation decimated by heroin and the epidemic in 1980s Spain, leaving Marina with a fragmented identity and a collection of idealized memories. As she attempts to bond with her grandparents and uncles, she discovers that their version of the past is carefully curated to erase the perceived shame of her parents' struggle. Through her journey, Marina meets a young man who is also grappling with his family's unspoken trauma, leading to a profound connection. Romería is a lyrical and evocative exploration of the secrets we keep to protect ourselves and the courage required to confront the uncomfortable truths of our heritage. Director Carla Simón delivers a deeply personal conclusion to her thematic trilogy on family and memory, questioning whether we can ever truly know those who came before us.