Tibey (Anthony Quinn), a powerful Mexican businessman is expecting a visit from his American friend Jay Cochran (Kevin Costner), a recently retired Navy fighter pilot. Little does Tibey know that his young trophy wife, Miryea (Madeleine Stowe), will fall for his dashing friend, finding the passion with him that is missing from her marriage. Eventually, the lovers have to face the consequences of betraying Tibey, thus beginning a violent cycle of revenge.