The New York poet Elizabeth Bishop seeks new inspiration for her poetry in the early 1950s. Her creative crisis takes her to Rio de Janeiro, where she visits her student friend Mary. In her shyness, the poet feels almost taken by surprise by the Brazilian sensuality and joie de vivre. She is the complete opposite of Mary's dashing partner, the architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Her initial rejection of Elizabeth soon turns into deep affection, which Mary does not like at all. The love triangle is completely thrown out of balance when Lota begins her greatest work: the design of the world-famous Flamengo Park in Rio. Inspired by the new surroundings, Elizabeth is able to write again and is showered with prizes. Now both women are at the height of their careers and part of Brazil's high society. But a military coup threatens to change everything. Oscar-nominated director Bruno Barreto tells the story in opulent and sensual images.