Alfonso Cuarón writes and directs this drama starring Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, a maid in the household of a middle class family in Colonia Roma, Mexico City. Sofía and Antonio (Marina de Tavira and Fernando Grediaga) live with Sofía's mother Teresa (Verónica García) and their four children. With Antonio away a lot on alleged business, Sofía turns to a special friendship which she has with her maid, Cleo.

When Cleo finds out that she is pregnant, Sofía and Teresa offer to take care of her in her time of need.