Synopsis
In Paris winter 2007, Elsa, a transgender woman, born in the Peruvian jungle, sensual and indomitable, enters a prison for men. A prisoner named Sergio makes Elsa his sexual slave. An ambiguous relationship develops between both. Elsa needs his protection and he needs her company. When Elsa gets out of prison, Sergio’s obsession only increases. He can’t stand seeing her free.
During her first few weeks out of prison, Elsa is struggling to cope. Despite her freedom, she struggles against two oppressive forces: a body that does not represent her—one that she cannot control— and Sergio’s threats, which reach her through his cronies. Elsa understand he is as part of the international prostitution network for which he works.
Despite this, Elsa starts a new life. As she rebuilds her identity, she meets Yena, a beautiful young South Korean woman. She was a victim of a pornographic website. Elsa also meets Aymeric, Yena’s French husband, a libertine airline pilot, totally unfit for fatherhood.
Elsa, with her exotic and insouciant ways, becomes increasingly involved in the private life of the young couple, shaking up their conventional ways. Aymeric and Yena’s attraction to Elsa is obvious. Aymeric is afraid of hurting and being hurt, but also of what his attraction to Elsa might mean for his sexual identity.
Although Elsa is in love with Aymeric, she leaves him. The plot takes an unexpected turn, Sergio escapes from prison to continue his toxic relationship with Elsa. At that moment, Aymeric also returns and the two males clash violently.
Finally, Elsa decides to come back to Pucallpa, her childhood home, to redeem herself spiritually.
Based on real events, Pucallpa explores the lives of trans women who immigrate to Europe and whose opportunities are often limited to prostitution. But it also explores issues of sexual identity and clashing worldviews: our relationships and conflicts with our own bodies and with the bodies of others—desired, forbidden, and often both.