Zama

In the distant outpost of late 18th century Argentina, Don Diego de Zama (magistrate) languishes in longing for a transfer to Lerma, convinced it's only a matter of time before the opportunity arises. Meanwhile, his thoughts are consumed by Luciana Piñares de Luenga, a wealthy and married Spanish noblewoman, whom he vainly attempts to seduce despite her firm rebuffs. At work, Zama clashes with Ventura Prieto, an assistant magistrate who opposes the enslavement of indigenous people. As their disagreements escalate, Prieto's own unrequited passion for Luciana adds fuel to the fire, ultimately leading to his deportation to Lerma.

Zama is left reeling when he discovers that the governor, previously poised to recommend his transfer, has been unexpectedly reassigned by order of the King of Spain. Crushed by this development, Zama's frustration boils over as he becomes embroiled in a dispute with the new Governor over an employee's creative pursuits during work hours. The Governor demands that Zama read and report on the offending manuscript, which Zama reluctantly does. His damning assessment prompts the Governor to agree to write a letter of recommendation, revealing that the King consistently ignores initial requests, and a second attempt would take 1-2 years to reach its destination.

Defeated and disillusioned, Zama dons a beard and joins a group of men hell-bent on tracking down Vicuña Porto, the notorious outlaw whose exploits have captivated the town. As night falls, Zama is awoken by the theft of their horses and engages in a fateful conversation with one of his companions, who reveals himself to be none other than the elusive Vicuña Porto.

As the remnants of the ill-fated expedition stumble upon the shores of their homeland, the exhausted survivors are met with a mixture of relief and trepidation. Captain (name) implores Zama to reveal Vicuña Porto's true identity, citing the need for his presence in order to complete their perilous journey. Unbeknownst to Zama, however, Porto has managed to forge unshakeable bonds with the remainder of the group, and it is he who orchestrates a brutal turn of events.

With calculated precision, Porto's loyal followers bind Zama and the captain, their intentions masked by a veneer of civility. The treacherous men then exact their revenge upon the hapless captain, ending his life in a violent and merciless manner. Zama, spared only due to his perceived possession of valuable information regarding hidden treasures, is left to face the mercy of his captors.

Despite his protests that such riches do not exist, Porto's followers remain undeterred, convinced that Zama's knowledge will lead them to untold wealth. In a gruesome display of brutality, they sever Zama's hands, leaving him to suffer in agony as he realizes the true extent of their depravity.

Miraculously, Zama manages to survive his ordeal, only to awaken to a stark new reality: he finds himself adrift on a raft, his future hanging precariously in the balance. It is here that fate intervenes, as an indigenous man and child rescue him from the jaws of despair, leaving Zama to ponder the cruel twists of fate that have beset him.