The film stars Eugene Domingo as Marilou, a widow who is forced to take her late husband's job as community barber during the end of Marcos era.

After Jose dies in his sleep, Marilou plans to leave for Manila until she is dissuaded by her friends and the parish priest, Father Arturo, who laments having to travel far to have his hair cut.

Marilou's reputation gradually spreads, and she is called into town to cut the hair of the corrupt Mayor Bartolome, where she becomes friends with his wife Cecilia, who is constantly abused physically by her husband.

Marilou tries to convince Edmond to leave the guerrillas but becomes sympathetic to their cause when Father Arturo is killed by soldiers after being falsely accused by Mayor Bartolome of being a rebel himself, which happens after the secluded Cecilia goes to him for confession.

Days later, Cecilia asks Marilou to accompany her to a cliff above a river, where she confides her frustration at being unable to bear children and her impending separation from Bartolome, who has been unfaithful to her.