Sergio

Sergio Vieira de Mello (Wagner Moura), a steadfast advocate for human rights, sits down with a candid interviewer to reflect on his illustrious career as the Brazilian United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. However, fate has other plans, and Sergio's life is about to take a drastic turn. In August 2003, the UN Headquarters in Baghdad succumbs to a devastating bombing, leaving chaos and destruction in its wake. Amidst the rubble, Carolina (Ana de Armas) frantically searches for Sergio, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

As the scene shifts into flashback mode, we are transported three months earlier to a moment of introspection, where Sergio is torn between his duty to serve as President Bush's envoy to Iraq and his deep-seated concerns about the ongoing conflict. Despite Carolina's pleas over dinner at an upscale restaurant to reconsider, Sergio decides to heed President Bush's call, citing the pressing need for humanitarian intervention in the war-torn country.

Accompanied by his trusted team members, including Carolina, Gil (Brian F. O'Byrne), and Gaby (Clemens Schick), Sergio embarks on a perilous journey to the Middle East, assuring Carolina that their stint will be a brief one. However, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of war, Sergio's conscience is stirred by an unsettling encounter with an officer who is brutally mistreating a local citizen. This experience prompts Sergio to share his concerns with his team, emphasizing the imperative to act.

Their arrival in Iraq coincides with the unexpected appearance of American envoy Paul Bremer (Bradley Whitford), who is taken aback by Sergio's impressive progress and rapid gains in securing a meeting with the Ayotollah. As tensions rise, Sergio confronts Bremer about the United States' decision to reopen Abu Ghraib, an act that he believes sends a damaging message, reviving the dark horrors of Hussein's regime. Bremer defends his actions, citing the need for occupation, but Sergio remains steadfast in his commitment to human rights.

As the stakes escalate, Sergio becomes increasingly frustrated with Bremer's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. The media begins to scrutinize Sergio's role as a UN representative, questioning whether he is simply providing a veneer of legitimacy for American occupation. Undeterred, Sergio insists that the UN remains an independent entity, committed to its humanitarian mission.

Bremer confronts Sergio about his vocal opposition to US occupation, but Sergio refuses to back down, emphasizing the importance of ensuring free and fair elections. As their argument reaches a fever pitch, Bremer warns Sergio that he risks losing his potential position as UN Secretary-General if he continues to challenge American interests. Sergio remains resolute, instructing Gil to prepare a comprehensive dossier on human rights violations associated with occupation.

Just as tensions are reaching a boiling point, a sudden explosion rocks the building, casting uncertainty and chaos over the entire scene.

As Master Sergeant Bill Von Zehle (Garret Dillahunt) scrambles to locate Sergio amidst the devastation, he's met with the grim reality of his friend's dire condition. Sergio lies writhing in agony, his body ravaged by the explosion that has left the city in ruins. Yet, even as pain and despair grip him, his mind wanders back to a chance encounter three years prior in East Timor, where he had stumbled upon Carolina, a woman who would soon capture his heart. The memory of her warm smile and sparkling eyes serves as a fleeting respite from the anguish that surrounds him.

Sergio's thoughts are interrupted by the sight of Gil, motionless but still breathing, mere feet away. As Bill begins to tend to Sergio's wounds, the two friends flash back to their past exploits in East Timor, where they had navigated treacherous diplomatic waters in pursuit of peace and resolution. Their memories are filled with moments of levity, camaraderie, and even romance, as Sergio found himself smitten with Carolina, a woman who seemed to embody the essence of East Timorese resilience.

In that distant past, Sergio had chanced upon Carolina while out for a jog, her beauty captivating him in an instant. Their chance encounter blossomed into a flirtation that left him breathless. Later, at a high-stakes diplomatic meeting, they reconnected, their chemistry palpable as they navigated the complexities of international politics. But it was Carolina's words of caution that served as a sobering reminder: she was wary of his wandering ways, and Sergio knew he had to be honest with himself about his feelings.

As Bill struggles to free Sergio from the rubble, the two friends turn their attention to the daunting task of negotiating with General Gusmao, an Argentinian leader notorious for his hostility towards Sergio. The stakes are high, but Sergio remains undeterred, drawing on his past experiences in Cambodia, where he had successfully brokered a deal to free refugees held captive by Ieng Sary's forces.

Meanwhile, Carolina's presence looms large, her commitment to empowering local women through micro-financing and startup loans serving as a beacon of hope in the face of chaos. Her kindness and compassion touch Sergio's soul, leaving him with an unshakeable sense of purpose.

As Bill's comms remain down, Andre (Will Dalton), another first responder, arrives on the scene, joining forces with Bill to rescue Sergio and Gil. Carolina, meanwhile, throws herself into the relief efforts, her worry for Sergio's well-being palpable as she searches for any sign of life amidst the ruins. And then, just as all hope seems lost, Gaby discovers Sergio's presence through a crack in the building, his determination to find him renewed.

As Sergio returns to Timor, he embarks on a mission to revive his diplomatic efforts with Gusmao, revisiting the complexities of their tumultuous past. In a poignant flashback, he recounts the tender moments he shared with his two sons as they visited their grandmother, now a distant memory. The painful truth however, is that Sergio's absence from their lives has left an indelible mark. His younger son's allergic reaction to shrimp serves as a poignant reminder of his own failings as a father, and the guilt begins to gnaw at him.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Sergio finds himself entangled in high-stakes negotiations with President Gus Dur, who refuses to offer an apology to East Timor. With the weight of the world's perception hanging precariously in the balance, Sergio implores Dur to reconsider his stance, ultimately securing a crucial breakthrough that sets Timor free. As the dust settles, Sergio and Carolina share a passionate moment, their chemistry undeniable. However, the harsh reality of his marital status soon forces her departure, leaving him with more questions than answers.

Back in the midst of chaos at the bombing site, Bill and Andre struggle to comprehend the eerie silence that surrounds them. Bill's analysis reveals the devastating truth: the blast was triggered by a truck bomb. As Gil's anger simmers just below the surface, Sergio's initial apology is met with resistance before he reaches out in a gesture of reconciliation. The arrival of Bremer sets off a chain reaction, as Sergio finds himself forced to confront the harsh reality that his time has come to an end. Amidst the chaos, Andre reveals the dire necessity for amputation to ensure Sergio's safe evacuation, and as Gil's legs are severed, Sergio offers words of condolence. The men carry their fallen comrade away, leaving Bill to vow a return for Sergio.

As Sergio (actor's name) invites Carolina to his humble abode in Timor, she is taken aback by the whimsical atmosphere he has created - a tapestry of hearts adorned with heartfelt messages that seem to whisper secrets of the soul. The space is alive with anticipation as Sergio reveals his innermost desires: to return home to Rio, to champion the cause of independence, and to be by Carolina's side. With passion and conviction, they share their deepest longings, and in a burst of romance, their love becomes the driving force that propels them forward.

Meanwhile, back at the scene of the bombing, Carolina is reunited with Gaby (actor's name) and Sergio, as they find solace in each other's company. Amidst the chaos, Carolina manages to reach Sergio through the cracks of the crumbling building, where they share tender moments of love and longing. The memories of that fateful night in East Timor come flooding back, recalling their decision to forego official celebrations and instead join the local revelry, their footsteps echoing through the streets as they ran hand in hand.

In a poignant flashback to New York City, Sergio and Carolina relive the dinner where she implored him not to leave, but he remains resolute, promising a brief absence before returning to academia and realizing his dream of going back to Rio. Little did she know that this decision would ultimately seal their fate.

As the reality sets in, Bill delivers a devastating blow: Sergio is gravely injured and bleeding internally. The news is met with crushing silence as Carolina's world comes crashing down around her. A somber Kofi Annan eulogizes the victims of the UN bombing, including Sergio, whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

In a poignant gesture, Carolina wades into the waters where Sergio had once asked her to join him, the ring on her neck a constant reminder of their love and the promise they shared. Meanwhile, an instructional video shot by Sergio earlier takes an unexpected turn, morphing from a fictionalized scenario to a hauntingly real portrayal of his final moments.

In the aftermath of Sergio's passing, the world is left to grapple with the consequences: the US withdrawal from Iraq leads to a protracted civil war, while Al Qaeda's leader - now rebranded as ISIS - orchestrates future atrocities. Amidst this chaos, Gil miraculously survives and returns to his family, while Carolina is formally recognized as Sergio's spouse and continues her tireless quest for justice in Rio, carrying the torch of their unwavering love forward.