Vigo, a port town in Spain, has fallen on hard times. The shipbuilding industry, which was a primary source of jobs, has laid off many workers. Several of these erstwhile shipbuilders spend their newfound free time at a local bar owned by their friend Rico (Joaquín Climent). The group is headed by Santa (Javier Bardem), a steadfast pragmatist who tries to keep the spirits of the men high. Troubles are many, however, including the marital problems of Amador (Celso Bugallo) and José (Luis Tosar).