Film in
Costa Rica

“Güilas” is a film born from the short “Amor de Temporada.” It’s made up of a series of adventures and mischief by children—those spontaneous, authentic, and restless little humans who follow their innocent impulses without fear. These impulses lead them into unexpected and funny situations, to build dreams, face disappointments, experience small great losses, and achieve great small victories.

Clara, a 40-year-old woman, is believed to have a special connection with God. As a “healer,” she supports her family and a town in need of hope while finding solace in her bond with nature. After years of being controlled by her repressive mother, Clara’s sexuality awakens when she becomes attracted to her niece’s new boyfriend. This newfound force leads her into unexplored territory, allowing her to cross both physical and mystical boundaries. Empowered by self-discovery, Clara gradually frees herself from her role as a “saint” and begins to heal herself.

Masha, an 11-year-old girl, suddenly moves with her mother Elisa to her grandmother Dinia’s house, who is beginning to lose her memory. The coexistence among these three women triggers a delusion around the presence of a man inside the house whom no one else sees.

Victor, a hermit, desperately searches for a cow that has disappeared from his small ranch. He suspects an Indigenous neighbor with whom he has had previous conflicts. The arrival of Ricardo, his 12-year-old grandson, awakens childhood traumas that blur with present fears. Protecting his grandson from the supposed threat becomes a fatal obsession, forcing Victor to confront the ghost of his past.

Every afternoon, a strange fog covers Domingo’s ranch and brings with it a special visitor: the ghost of Marília, his late wife. When his land is set to be expropriated for a new highway, his worst fear becomes reality: losing his property means losing contact with his wife’s spirit. Desperate, Domingo starts setting fires to sabotage the construction, but his plan begins to spiral out of control.