Gebo is an aging and tired accountant who works tirelessly to provide for his family. Despite his best efforts, his son João has gone missing, leaving his wife Sofia and their child behind. Gebo is worried about his son's absence, but he is also hiding something from his wife Doroteia, who grows increasingly anxious to see her son again.
As the story unfolds, we see that Gebo's secret is related to his son's disappearance. João has fallen into a life of crime, and Gebo has been secretly helping him cover up his misdeeds. Meanwhile, Sofia is struggling to deal with her husband's absence, and fears for her safety when he is around.
One day, out of the blue, João returns to the family home. His arrival sets off a chain of events that will change everything. Gebo is forced to reconcile with his past mistakes, while Sofia must confront her feelings towards her troubled husband. At the same time, Doroteia must come to terms with the reality of her son's life of crime.
Gebo and the Shadow is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of family relationships, loyalty, and the consequences of our actions. The film is directed by Manoel de Oliveira, one of Portugal's most renowned filmmakers, and features a stellar cast including Michael Lonsdale, Claudia Cardinale, and Jeanne Moreau.