Set in Mexico City, Carlos Reygadas's sexually explicit drama centers on a man in turmoil over his past actions. Chauffer Marcos feels compelled to reveal a dark secret to his boss's daughter, Ana, a wealthy woman who works as a prostitute just for the thrill of it. Marcos confesses that he and his wife committed a crime that ended in horrible tragedy. Haunted by his past, Marcos searches for redemption.

Elena is a writer and is in a relationship with a painter, Fernando. Charo works as a waitress in a hotel and continues to dream of John Sargent, her platonic love, although when she discovers that the actor is gay she returns to her boyfriend Luis. Mara, a model, and Miguel is dating a sick man much older than them. Eugenia is a haute couture dressmaker and cares for her niece Soledad, who wants to be a singer. All of them have ambitions of love, but none is happy with their current situation.