It’s a hot summer in Huilotepec, in rural Mexico, and there is more going on than appears on the surface. The emotional presence and visual absence of Mexico’s drug cartels haunt the residents of this forested community. Teresa thinks her husband has found another woman, while her son, Gabino, stationed at a quiet military checkpoint, whiles away the time harassing the locals. It’s said that Oscar has killed his girlfriend. And that’s just some of the excitement swirling around this small town.