Rio de Janeiro, early 1970s. Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. The Paivas: a father, Rubens, a mother, Eunice, and their five children live by the beach, in a rented house with doors constantly open to friends. The affection and humor they share among themselves are their own forms of resistance to the oppression that hangs over the country. One day, they experience a violent and arbitrary act that will forever change their lives.