The Architect

SYNOPSIS

In the early 1990s, Tomé Serpa is the most charismatic and ambitious architect in Portugal. Recognized for his work, he always has a say in national architecture. Married to Isabel, who comes from an old-money family, he is the father of Leonor, an insecure 15-year-old, and João, 18, who dreams of following his father’s footsteps. With Isabel, Tomé forms a true power couple. Although their relationship lacks physical intimacy, they are an unshakable force and stronger together than they would be apart.

Tomé lives between professional success and a secret life of sexual encounters filmed without the women’s consent. Despite being married, he maintains an affair with Carolina, an actress who believes she is his only lover and that he will eventually leave his wife for her. When Carolina discovers the truth about the man she loves, she teams up with Elsa, Tomé’s secretary, to expose him before the grand opening of his latest project, a modern shopping center.

Carolina wants her lover’s complete downfall: to see him stripped of money, family, and dignity. Elsa, on the other hand, only wishes to stop his abuse towards women and push him toward redemption. Carolina knows that is impossible, and Elsa eventually agrees. What truly unites them is their shared determination to protect the victims who have suffered at the hands of the architect.

Along the way, impactful twists unfold in the few days they have to bring down a man who seems untouchable.

This fictional drama, inspired by well-known public events in Portugal in the 1980s and 1990s, blends social critique, abuse of power, emotional manipulation, and female resistance with mounting tension around the fate of the shopping center and Tomé Serpa’s imminent downfall.

AVAILABLE AS: Readymade