In March, 1958, Cuba goes dark as Castro's rebels destroy the power plants. Amid eruptions of violence and neighbor turning on neighbor, life for an 11-year-old boy still holds infatuations, mischief, celebrations and heartache. Upon his father's immigration to America, he is protected by his grandfather Che, who brokers deals with both factions to afford the family safety, and devoted grandmother Beta, whose love of movies provides a refuge in fantasy.