Jay Cochran (Kevin Costner), a newly retired U.S. Navy pilot, travels to Mexico to spend time with his friend Tibey Mendez (Anthony Quinn), a powerful but corrupt businessman. While there, he meets Tibey's beautiful wife, Miryea (Madeleine Stowe), who has become unhappy in her marriage. Jay and Miryea soon engage in a steamy affair. But when Tibey learns of the relationship from his henchman, Cesar (Tomas Milian), he sets out to get even with both of them.