‘Xavier’ tells a harmonious and heartfelt coming-of-age story between a son and his father.
Xavier is sitting down on the steps of his school building with his drumsticks in his hand as he mindlessly practices hand coordination in the air. In the background unseen, voices are heard talking about the boy. The teacher is speaking to Xavier’s father, Nicolas, about some of her concerns about him.
The teacher is asking Nicolas if he has noticed anything atypical about Xavier recently. Nicolas says he hasn’t noticed anything that could be a concern to him. The teacher insists that something must be going on with Xavier as he is not very talkative and mostly keeps to himself. Nicolas is confused and clarifies if his son has done something unsatisfactory to which the teacher replies that he has not. However, the teacher adds that Xavier has been having difficulty paying attention to his classes. There is a certain hesitation in the teacher’s voice as if she wants to say something but is uncertain if the father will be ready to hear what she has to speak about. She goes on to say that Xavier has indeed been keeping up with his grades but she has noticed some troubling behavior from him. She further adds that although she recognizes that every child has a unique way of learning, Xavier is very introverted and doesn’t interact with other students.
While the two adults are talking, an older boy comes near Xavier and sits beside him on the steps. Nicolas asks the teacher about the identity of the boy. The teacher tells him that he is Lucas, a student from the upper year. The teacher asks Nicolas if it doesn’t bother him that Xavier gravitates towards boys older than him. Nicolas, however, doesn’t reply. We finally see him as he steps from the shadows to look over at his son and Lucas.
At home, Xavier is practicing on his drums. While he is busy on his instrument, Nicolas is preparing their dinner. Nicolas looks relaxed considering the talk that he just had with the concerned teacher. He is smiling as he hears his son play and enjoy the drums. He bops his head to the beat of the drum and looks over at Xavier who has his full attention to the piece he’s currently playing.
The camera focuses on Xavier who looks satisfied as well with his playing. He is smiling and pauses the drumming for a while. In the kitchen, Nicolas encourages his beloved son to continue playing. Xavier smiles and does just that.
The next day, Nicolas arrives at Xavier’s school to pick him up. Xavier is alone again, walking towards the exit with his sticks in his hands. Nicolas observes as his son pays no mind to the group of girls hanging out near the entrance. Instead, Xavier gets entranced by Lucas who just walked past him. Xavier looks dejected by how he is just ignored.
Inside Nicolas’ cousin’s house, Xavier is sitting next to the table where their food is being prepared. He is still practicing with his drumsticks as Nicolas and his uncle, Fabiano, chit-chat. Fabiano suddenly says that Xavier is just like his dad who in the past cannot be separated from his guitar. Nicolas shrugs at his friend’s comment. Fabiano adds that it has been ages since he last heard his cousin play and wonders if he could whip up something for their gathering. Xavier who looks ecstatic by this, encourages his dad. Nicolas tells them that he’ll think about it.
Tais, Xavier’s cousin, arrives together with her friends, Marcio and Filipe. They are greeted by Nicolas and Xavier. Nicolas jokingly asks which one of them is Tai’s boyfriend and Tais teasingly replies that both of them are to which Marcio and Filipe immediately deny. All of them enjoy their food afterward.
