In the Salinas Valley of California during the early 20th century, a young man struggles with the need to earn his devout and stern father's love and approval. The father, who has prospered in the lettuce-farming business, holds his dutiful older son in high regard, while his younger son feels neglected and misunderstood. The younger brother is constantly compared unfavorably to his sibling, causing an intense sibling rivalry and a deep-seated resentment. This toxic dynamic is only exacerbated when the boys learn that their mother, whom they were told was dead, is actually alive and running a nearby brothel.

Complicating matters further, the young man develops feelings for his brother's fiancée, who becomes a kindred spirit, providing him with a semblance of understanding and compassion that he lacks at home. This connection stirs up an emotional turmoil within him, leading to a series of confrontations that threaten to tear the family apart. The young man's desperate attempts to win his father's appreciation culminate in a risky business endeavor, as he plans to profit from the transport of beans during the war. His efforts are fraught with the challenges of twisted familial bonds, the pressure of living up to an idealized brother, and the longing for parental acceptance, leaving him at the crossroads of either perpetuating a cycle of rivalry or forging his own path.