Bless Me, Ultima 2013

In the arid expanse of 1940s New Mexico, a young Mexican-American boy named Antonio embarks on the challenging journey of adolescence. As he gears up for his initial steps into formal education, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty swirl around him akin to the dust devils that roam the plains. His mother’s passionate desire for him to adhere to their Catholic roots only adds to his inner turmoil, flooding his mind with profound questions about good and evil, alongside the enigmatic mysteries of life and death.

The appearance of Ultima, an insightful and mysterious curandera, in the Márez household ignites a pivotal series of events that drastically alter Antonio’s perception of the world. Balancing his burgeoning desires with the expectations of family and faith, he finds himself embroiled in the turmoil surrounding Lupito, a war veteran whose tragic death triggers a deep moral crisis within Antonio.

As the narrative progresses, Antonio’s conflict intensifies as he navigates the intricate layers of human nature. With Ultima’s guidance, steeped in the ancient wisdom of his indigenous ancestors, he finds the comfort needed to dispel the fears and superstitions that have long haunted him.

Through his meaningful interactions with Ultima, Antonio’s awareness of the natural world and its hidden mysteries blossoms. He learns to embrace his curiosity and intuition, gradually piecing together the fragmented elements of his identity. As the strings of fate continue to entwine into the rich fabric of his existence, Antonio emerges profoundly changed, armed with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper comprehension of the life that envelops him.