Tomás is a 12 year old child. He lives with his mother in a peripheral neighborhood of the city of Villa María in Córdoba Province. The quarter is not a slum and Tomás is not an abandoned child; he resides in a modest but serviceable house. There is a polite mother/son relationship but she seems to be primarily interested in her night outings. Tomás attends without enthusiasm an Escuela de Trabajo, a combination of regular and trade school, and has ben suspended for poor attendance. He hangs around aimlessly most of day along with his friends talking, listening to music, rapping and playing soccer.
Tomás' father was murdered and the killer is scheduled to leave jail. Tomás is eager to know the details of his father's demise. His queries to his mother, aunt and grandfather are evasively answered and the same happens with his father's friends, such as one who played soccer with him in the local club. Tomás has secured a pistol from his friend Pichín which he carries everywhere in his backpack (Mochila de Plomo = Leaden Backpack). He has revenge in mind but realizes that the killer may be the only source of information on the circumstances of his father's death.
Director Darío Mascambroni tells the tale in a cool, straightforward way, avoiding the pitfall of excessive sentimentality. First time actor Facundo Underwood does a commendable job as Tomás, who is on almost every scene. Good acting also from the fest of the cast, some of which are nonprofessionals. Good cinematography and music. A film worth watching.
