Brazil in 1821, shortly before independence. Like many of his countrymen mine owner Antonio lives on his estate with a group of slaves and breeds cattle. Having lost his wife and child during the child’s birth he marries Beatriz, his late wife’s twelve-year-old niece. He dedicates himself to his cattle, leaving her alone with the slaves. Determined to find her place in this community, self-confident Beatriz manages to shake up the balance of power characterised by violence, bullying, sexual assault and miscommunication.
