In 1951 ny poet Elizabeth Bishop travels to visit with Mary, a college friend. The shy Elizabeth is overwhelmed by Brazilian sensuality. She is the antithesis to Mary partner, architect Lota de Macedo Soares. The architect makes a play Elizabeth although frosty at first and Lota's progress are finally succumbed to by the poet. Mary is covetous, however, unconventional Lota is made to possess both women at any cost. Balance has been thrown off if Lota starts focus on her biggest job to date. Elizabeth accepts an teaching post in the united states and the ladies drift. Lota, at the other times is inconsolable. This triangle plays from the backdrop of this military coup of 1964. Bishop's moving poems are all at the core of a film which illustrates a phase in the life of the influential Pulitzer poet