Arriving in Rio de Janeiro from her northeast Brazilian home, Luzia (Anecy Rocha) searches for her fiancé Jasão. During her quest, Luzia meets Calunga, a local scoundrel who shows her the city, and Inácio, who is considering returning home to the northeast. She discovers that Jasão is now a feared thief operating in one of the city’s favelas. Before Luzia can save him, both become victims of the big city’s violence.