Birds of Passage

As Natalia Reyes' character Zaida navigates the complexities of her coming-of-age in the late 1960s, she finds herself at the center of a web of intrigue as Rapayet (José Acosta) proposes marriage. Hailing from the influential Pushaina family, Zaida's mother Ursula sets a lofty dowry price, which Rapayet hopes to meet by tapping into the lucrative marijuana trade.

Rapayet and his friend Moisés stumble upon a cache of desperate Peace Corps volunteers in search of the prized herb. They strike up a deal with Rapayet's cousin Gabriel, who cultivates the highly sought-after crop. The Americans are impressed by the quality of the product, and one of them offers Rapayet a business proposition that would change the course of his life.

As Rapayet's export operation grows into a substantial enterprise, he finds himself torn between the lure of wealth and the disapproval of Ursula. His friend Moisés encourages him to expand the business, but Rapayet remains loyal to Gabriel, despite the promise of greater profits. During a fateful handoff, Rapayet is shocked to discover that his American partners are dealing with other growers, leading to a violent confrontation that ultimately results in Moisés' downfall.

The Pushaina family demands retribution for the blood spilled, but Rapayet chooses mercy over vengeance, instead exiling Moisés from their business dealings. This decision sets off a chain reaction of violence as Moisés and his cohorts seek revenge against Gabriel's family, forcing Rapayet to take drastic action to protect his own.

By the end of the 1970s, Rapayet has built a life of prosperity with his family, but not without scars from the tumultuous events that have unfolded. As they receive an invitation to attend Gabriel's second burial, Ursula is hesitant, sensing that old wounds may be reopened. The visit proves prophetic as her youngest son Leonidas, spoiled by years of wealth and privilege, makes a drunken pass at Anibal's daughter, setting off a chain reaction of events that will forever alter the dynamics between their families.

In the midst of this chaos, Zaida urges Rapayet to take a conciliatory approach, hoping to avoid further bloodshed. However, as tensions simmer just below the surface, it becomes clear that war is inevitable, and the once-peaceful clans are on the brink of a devastating conflict.

As the fragile peace between the Wayuu clans begins to unravel, Rapayet (character) makes a desperate attempt to preserve harmony by offering Anibal his entire business, but his messenger is brutally silenced, severing ties with their ancient traditions. Fearing retribution, Rapayet, Zaida, and their children are forced into exile.

The murder of the messenger sets off a chain reaction, as other Wayuu clans send emissaries to Ursula, only to be met with shocking indifference. Many are willing to abandon their ancestral ways, perceiving that her family has lost its connection to the traditional Wayuu heritage. Confronted by this widespread betrayal, Ursula is compelled to relinquish her treasured family heirlooms.

With the support of other powerful clans, Ursula resorts to drastic measures, kidnapping her daughter and grandchildren, and issues a stern warning to Rapayet: do not dare return. Her compound destroyed, Anibal uses his last resources to hire ruthless mercenaries, who leave only Ursula and Zaida's daughter Indira alive.

As the remnants of her family are left to pick up the pieces, Ursula implores Indira to flee with Leonidas, but finds him in a state of drunken despair. With no choice but to continue alone, Ursula sacrifices what remains of her business, including Rapayet's location, in exchange for the return of her grandson's lifeless body. Consumed by vengeance, Anibal sets his sights on tracking down Rapayet, vowing to also claim Leonidas as his next victim.