Transposition of the myth of Faust to modern Brazil. The heir to a bankrupt cigarette factory, amidst a personal crisis, leaves everything behind and heads for a supposed paradise he has seen in a tourist agency, where he believes he could find self-knowledge. In his search, he is inspired by a Mephisto-like character.
The story of two radically different men thrown together in a Latin American prison cell. One is Valentin, a journalist being tortured for his political beliefs. The other is Molina, a gay window-dresser who fills their lonely nights by spinning romantic fantasies drawn from memories of old movies.
Dr. Leme, a rich old man, is frustrated about not having children with his wife Raquel. In his mansion, he gives parties filled with drinking and sex with his secretaries. André, his driver, becomes lover of Rachel and they plan to kill Leme to get hold of his fortune.