In 1939, American oil executive Frank (Andrew McCarthy) and his beautiful wife, Donna (Natasha Henstridge), move to a remote coastal village in Ceará, Brazil, where Frank leads an aggressive oil exploration venture. As Frank becomes consumed by his business prospects and corporate ambitions, Donna experiences deep isolation in the traditional fishing town. She eventually meets Nô (Eduardo Moscovis), a rugged local fisherman. A passionate, clandestine romantic and physical affair develops between Donna and Nô, creating severe social tension within the village and ultimately threatening her marriage with Frank.