The cry of seagulls. Sunbeams breaking on the surface of the sea. It smells of salt and oil. Azul (14) wears dark blue to his brother's funeral.

Feliz has died in a tragic accident in the sea. A shock for the family of swimmers, who are all about performance. While his father Manuel is determined to turn Azul into an exceptional talent, he develops a paralysing fear of water. Nosebleeds. Fainting spells. When he has to be resuscitated during a competition, his parents take him out of boarding school: he is banned from swimming. He has to return home to the island of Sal and face his father's disappointment.

Only the annual dune swimming event offers Azul the perfect opportunity to prove his skills to himself and Manuel and escape the humiliation. His biggest rival Marina (14), of all people, offers him a deal. He trains her and improves her times. She helps him overcome his phobia so that they can both take part in the dune swimming event.

Quiet, sensitive boy. Loud, aggressive girl. A fragile friendship forms. Two strange souls who have to stand up to their families' expectations against the backdrop of an idyllic island.