In the opening scenes of this Brazilian film based upon a true story, Darlene (Regina Casé) bids farewell to her elderly mother and sets off for her marriage ceremony. Left standing outside the church, she goes off to the city, returning home three years later with a son to find her mother has died. Darlene accepts the marriage proposal of a local man, Osias (Lima Duarte), a sour and lazy fellow who does have one of the finest houses in the community. He spends most of the day in his hammock listening to his precious radio.
Meanwhile Darlene cooks, cleans, and works all day in the fields as a laborer. Following the birth of a second son, she decides to leave Osias. First, she takes her older child to a nearby ranch where he will be taken care of by his real father. Before she has a chance to get much further, Osias finds her and his son and takes them home. Darlene gets some relief from the burdens of her work when Osias's cousin Zezinho (Stênio Garcia) moves in with them and takes over the cooking and housekeeping. He becomes her lover and she gives birth to his son.
A final male is added to this extended family when Osias invites Ciro (Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos), a handsome young vagabond, to stay with them. It's not long before Darlene is pregnant with his son, much to the dismay of Zezinho and the anger of Osias.
Andrucha Waddington directs this relaxed and entertaining drama that revolves around the nurturing qualities of Darlene, the ultimate earth mother. In New Zealand, some nurseries plant kiwi fruit vines near other plants because they attract bees. The bees then pollinate not only the kiwi but the other plants as well. The same can be said for Darlene's nurturing activities. She spreads her love around and brings new life into the dry spaces of these arid men. The spiritual practice of nurturing always opens up new possibilities for others.
