In Alexander Witt’s Sayen, the age-old conflict over natural habitats takes center stage. An indigenous community finds itself in a desperate struggle for survival against an industrial authority intent on obliterating its spirit. The script resonates with a heartfelt plea for preservation.
Crucially, the film examines what progress means for the people it purports to benefit. Are the developments truly necessary for their well-being? Does progress have to come at the cost of eradicating their way of life? This narrative prompts viewers to contemplate these challenging questions through a somewhat clichéd approach.
Sayen’s homecoming turns into a struggle for justice (Photo: Sayen/Fabula)Presented in a straightforward black-and-white format, this Prime Video film offers a simplistic interpretation of its themes, relying on familiar storytelling techniques.
A Return to Ancestral Land
The action thriller comes to play predominantly in the lush forests of southern Chile. Sayen (Rallen Montenegro), a young Mapuche woman, returns to her homeland after spending over six years away studying.
Eager to reconnect with her grandmother, Ilwen, she quickly realizes that their bond remains strong despite the time apart. That same day, she participates in a community ritual, further solidifying her sense of belonging. However, the shadow of her father’s brutal murder at the hands of authorities lingers in her heart.
Later that night, Sayen engages in discussions with community members regarding their current situation. They debate the necessity of change and express divergent views on how to sustain their land. Their conversation turns heated as they voice skepticism about the effectiveness of social media in their cause.
After her grandmother intervenes, the discussion ends without resolution. The following morning, Sayen accompanies her grandmother to a hilltop where she hears a story about how the winkas (outsiders) have stolen the soul of their land.
That same day, representatives from a company named Actaeon arrive at Ilwen’s home with a proposal. Antonio (Arón Piper) and Lira (Alejandro Trejo) offer a deal that promises a sustainable future for the community in exchange for selling their ancestral land. Ilwen firmly rejects the proposal, asserting that they require no assistance from those who have historically exploited their sacred land.
A Fight for Justice and Survival
After the meeting, Sayen stealthily follows Antonio and his team as they return to their base. While eavesdropping on their discussion, she uncovers their plans to exploit the land for its cobalt deposits.
A company employee notices her recording their conversation and begins to pursue her. After a tense chase through the forest, she escapes and rushes home to inform Ilwen about their malicious intentions.
Despite Ilwen’s attempts to reason with Antonio and his colleagues, they react with violence, and she is shot dead. Antonio then assaults Sayen, and both their bodies are taken back to the house, which is subsequently set ablaze.
Miraculously, Sayen manages to escape and flees, driven by a fierce desire for revenge for her grandmother and their sacred land. Meanwhile, Antonio and his associates plot to capture her, fearing she will alert the community to their nefarious plans.
Through fragmented memories, Sayen recalls the combat training her father imparted before his death. Conversely, Antonio’s character is examined through his desperate need for validation from his father, driving him to ensure their scheme’s success. The next day, when Miranda and Bykoz attempt to kill Sayen, she jumps into a stream, sustaining injuries in the process.
Meanwhile, Maximo Torres (Enrique Arce), Antonio’s father, learns of the situation and devises a plan with a local investigator. Rather than depicting their organization negatively, he moves the blame onto Sayen for Ilwen’s death and the subsequent casualties.
When the governor visits the charred remains of the house, a Mapuche member named Jose (Camilo Arancibia) tries to defend Sayen but fails due to the authorities’ loyalty to Maximo.
During protests, Nawel and Pedro are apprehended but are later rescued by Jose. The trio resolves to find Sayen and collaborate on their strategy. As Sayen continues her attacks on Antonio’s men, she successfully subdues Antonio, Bykoz, and Miranda, sending them tumbling down a stream.
While they eventually regroup and search for Sayen, she encounters an injured Lira. He reveals Maximo’s exploitative schemes and pleads for his life, trying to elicit her sympathy by mentioning his family’s need for him.
The following morning, Sayen discovers that Lira has died in his sleep. Meanwhile, the Mapuche rebels Pedro and Nawel are ambushed and killed by Miranda and Antonio during their search for Sayen.
A young Mapuche woman fights for her community’s future (Photo: Sayen/Fabula)Sayen eventually confronts Miranda and manages to overpower her. However, Antonio captures Sayen and binds her to a tree, furious at her for complicating their situation rather than accepting their deal.
Their banter highlights their differing beliefs about development and progress. Sayen escapes with Jose’s assistance, who argues that exposing their wrongdoing would be more beneficial for the community than resorting to violence. Tragically, he is shot dead by Antonio immediately after their discussion.
With Antonio determined to eliminate her, Sayen flees for her life. She boards a boat, pursued by him. In the ensuing confrontation, she physically battles Antonio, finally killing him and avenging her father and grandmother’s deaths. By plunging into the water, she evades capture by the police, who are attempting to apprehend her via helicopter.
Maximo and his associates continue to frame Sayen as a terrorist for her efforts to protect her land. Meanwhile, she manages to evade eviction by altering her appearance and taking a lift back to the city. Although she initially views her actions as vengeance, the true struggle lies ahead.
If a sequel to this film emerges, it would be beneficial for it to explore these conflicts in greater depth, moving beyond superficial understandings. Additionally, developing Sayen’s character to encompass more than just a thirst for vengeance would enhance her narrative.
