In the movie The Official Story Alicia is seen as both a victim and a perpetrator. Alicia’s family is an upper-class Argentinian family. More so, babies in the film were being snatched away from their parents, ‘the missing’, and sold to individuals of the upper class (Puenzo). Alicia and Roberto have adopted Gabby, their 5-year-old daughter, whose biological parents are unknown. Therefore, although Alicia is unaware of the hostilities going on in Argentina, she is indirectly involved as a perpetrator since she participated in an illegal adoption.
On the other hand, Alicia is also seen as a victim of both her husband’s domestic tyranny and Argentina’s political tyranny. Roberto oppresses Alicia in that he wants Alicia to be a good housewife, and to stop asking questions regarding the way the criminal government operates (Puenzo). Her questions are reciprocated by either verbal or physical assault. Moreover, as a victim of political tyranny, she is among the few members of the upper middle class that are unaware of the atrocious crimes that have been going on in the country. She thought that Gabi’s adoption was legal only to realize later that Roberto had dumped her.
Alicia should not have permanent custody of Gabi. This is because Gabi’s adoption by Alicia and Roberto was illegal. Therefore, Gabi should be returned to her closest biological relative who is her grandmother, Sara (Puenzo). On the other hand, she can also have permanent custody of Gabi. This is because she has been depicted as a caring and loving mother throughout the film. Moreover, she was unaware that the adoption was illegal.
If Alicia has permanent custody of Gabi, both Roberto and Sara should be granted visitation rights. This is because although Roberto is not Gabi’s biological father, he played a major role in properly raising her and giving her all the love and attention that a daughter requires. Moreover, Sara should be granted visitation rights as she is Gabi’s biological grandmother.