In the early 1960s, missionary Martin Quarrier (Aidan Quinn) arrives in Brazil with his wife, Hazel (Kathy Bates), and their son, Billy (Niilo Kivirinta), to convert the Niaruna people. Martin's efforts to help the natives go against the advice of Rev. Leslie Huben (John Lithgow) and upset Hazel, who fears the tribe. Meanwhile, white-educated Native American Lewis Moon (Tom Berenger), sent to convince the Niaruna to move away to make room for gold mining, is adopted by the tribe as a god.

Aidan Quinn, Daryl Hannah, John Lithgow, Kathy Bates, Tom Berenger, Tom Waits