during a period of writers' block in 1951 elizabeth comes to rio de janeiro to visit a colleague mary (tracy middendorf) who lives with the brazilian architect who was involved with the construction of flamengo park, lota de macedo soares (glória pires).

they live in lota's glorious samambaia estate outside the city, designed by oscar niemeyer and the landscapist burle marx - although initially they don't get along, a passionate romance between elizabeth and lota soon follows, as these women defy the social convention of their time.

the new romance creates tension and difficulty with mary who has also shared lota's bed, and a decision is made for lota to aid her in adopting a daughter.