Mexico, August 1923. Edward Weston has just abandoned his wife and children and joined his mistress Tina Modotti. Daughter of Italian emigrants, Tina started out on a career as a Hollywood actress before discovering a passion for photography, in Edward's wake. In Mexico, the lovers soon discover that revolution goes hand in hand with artistic expression. The walls of public institutions are colored with the vibrant paintings of Diego Rivera, Xavier Guerrero and all those who would go down in art history as ' the muralists.' In this pivotal period between the old world, still struggling in the aftermath of the First World War, and the new world, yet to be constructed, Tina and Edward become deeply involved in the artistic political movement of the epoch. For Tina, sex, freedom, art and politics become the pillars of her lifestyle, leading her to sometimes make choices that are difficult for Edward to deal with. But passion burns the senses, and suffering kindles the fires of creation...

The political, artistic and sexual effervescence of Mexico in the early 20s is followed by instability and doubt. There seems to be a spreading sense of disillusionment that neither Tina nor her friends will escape. Edward has gone back to the US, and Tina finds herself alone at a pivotal moment in her life. She oscillates between her commitment to the Party, her artistic struggles, her various overlapping love affairs, and her own journey of self-discovery. She seems to be incapable of choosing one path that will close off the others, unlike Edward. The political climate becomes increasingly tense, and opinions and destinies begin to clash. Summer comes to an end, and a long winter approaches.