Ana (2020)

Last updated:
January 16, 2026

Ana (also released as The Guardian in some regions) is a 2020 American comedy-drama directed by Charles McDougall, blending heartfelt character evolution with a road trip narrative set against the backdrop of post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico. The film stars Andy García and Dafne Keen in a story about unlikely friendships, survival, and redemption.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Chance Meeting in San Juan

Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez, a struggling used car salesman who’s fallen on hard times after moving to Puerto Rico, accidentally meets Ana, an 11-year-old girl who has no family after her mother’s arrest. Their first interaction is rough — she’s squatting in one of his repossessed cars — but it sets the stage for a very unusual bond.

Rafa’s Crisis & Debt Deadline

Rafa’s struggles aren’t small: all his cars have been repossessed, his business is failing, and he owes money to a dangerous loan shark named Diego. After losing even more at a cockfight, Rafa is given a five-day deadline to come up with the cash — or face dire consequences.

The Unplanned Road Trip Begins

Instead of dropping Ana off with social services or family, Rafa reluctantly takes her with him on a makeshift journey across the island. Along the way, she pushes him into creative, sometimes questionable hustles to raise funds, revealing both her survival smarts and Rafa’s softening heart.

Moral Dilemmas and Hidden Motives

Their road trip isn’t just about money. They encounter people who exploit Ana’s charm — most notably a pastor running dubious fundraising schemes — and Rafa’s moral compass is repeatedly tested. Ana is street-wise but vulnerable, and Rafa’s protective instincts grow as they face more setbacks.

Movie Ending

The film’s finale ties together several narrative threads. Facing the looming deadline and a lack of easy answers, Rafa and Ana’s bond becomes the core resolution. Rafa finally realizes that quick fixes and scams won’t work, and he chooses instead to take responsibility — not just for the debt, but as a guardian figure for Ana. The various schemes collapse, but what stays is the emotional growth: Rafa becomes someone willing to stand up against exploitation and take on real responsibility, not just financial but human. Ana, who began as a survival instinct, finds stability, support, and a person she can trust. It’s not a perfect, Hollywood “everything fixed” ending — but it’s satisfying and emotionally resonant, focusing on connection over cash.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes — during the ending credits, there’s a brief scene showing Ana helping promote Rafa’s cars, reinforcing how much she’s integrated into his life and business by the end of the story.

Type of Movie

Ana is a character-driven comedy-drama with undertones of road-movie and social commentary, using its journey format to explore themes of economic hardship, trust, and intergenerational friendship.

Cast

Andy García as Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez
Dafne Keen as Ana
Jeanne Tripplehorn
Lauren Vélez
Ramón Franco

Film Music and Composer

The original score for Ana was composed by Geronimo Mercado, giving the film a warm, reflective musical tone that underscores both the emotional intimacy and Puerto Rican setting of the story.

Filming Locations & Importance

Ana was filmed on location in Puerto Rico, primarily in San Juan and surrounding landscapes.
These real environments aren’t just backdrops — they amplify the film’s themes of post-hurricane recovery, cultural resilience, and natural beauty. The visuals of streets, ruins, and lush countryside make the setting feel like a character itself.

Awards and Nominations

While Ana did not receive major international awards, it garnered attention for performance and cinematography in smaller festival and critic circuits, particularly highlighting Dafne Keen’s breakout turn and the film’s authentic setting. Specific award listings are limited, reflecting its indie profile rather than mainstream award success.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Dafne Keen was cast after her acclaimed performance in Logan and entered Ana without an agent initially.
Puerto Rican actor Luis Guzmán was originally announced but replaced by Andy García before filming.
The production prioritized hiring a primarily Puerto Rican crew and local talent.
Filming took place shortly after the real-world impact of Hurricane Maria, adding emotional realism to the backdrop.

Inspirations and References

While Ana isn’t directly adapted from a book or true story, it draws inspiration from social realities in post-Maria Puerto Rico and classic road films where unlikely duos confront internal and external challenges together. The dynamic nods to character studies like Paper Moon in tone, if not plot.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There’s no widely known alternate ending, but some early cuts reportedly included extended sequences of the road trip’s smaller hustles and interactions with local characters that were trimmed for pacing. These gave more texture to Puerto Rican culture but slowed the main arc.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film isn’t based on a specific book, so no direct adaptation differences apply. It does feel in conversation with literary and cinematic road stories where character bonds outweigh external plot mechanics.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Rafa’s discovery of Ana hiding in his car.
The first failed cockfight money attempt.
Encounters with schemes that test both Rafa’s and Ana’s morality.

Iconic Quotes

“We both need a place to belong.” (Paraphrased emotional core)
“You see things adults forget how to notice.” (Ana’s truth to Rafa)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Background news clips reference real political and economic issues in Puerto Rico.
Subtle visual callbacks to Rafa’s estranged family show his internal conflict.
Props and signage include local Puerto Rican brands and languages, grounding the story in place.

Trivia

The film’s genre mix of comedy and drama led to differing audience expectations; many reviews expected more laughs but appreciated the emotional depth.
Andy García plays a very different role from his usual gangster or dramatic parts.
Some viewers felt the “comedy” label is misleading — the story leans strongly into heartfelt drama.

Why Watch?

If you appreciate character-driven films with heart, real locations, and performances that elevate everyday struggles, Ana offers a sincere, human story that lingers longer than its runtime.

Ana (2020)