With an insightful script that illuminates the dynamics of evolving childhood friendship, Achero Mañas's low–key feature neither sensationalizes nor sentimentalizes its subject, child abuse. Twelve–year–old Pablo lives in a poor Madrid neighborhood, caring for his mother and grandmother while dodging the violent outbursts of his father. Friendless and insecure, he latches onto Alfredo, whose tattoo–artist father and mother provide the sort of open–minded, happy home environment that Pablo can only dream of having. Alfredo must decide whether to reveal his friend's secrets to his parents or the authorities.