Sanky Panky

Genaro lives in the working-class neighborhood of El Capotillo and works at a small colmado. He earnestly tries to learn English, convinced that language will unlock his chance to travel and start anew with an older American woman. The opening sets up his longing for escape and a better future.

Genaro visits his old friend Miguelito in La Romana and discovers Miguelito's dramatic rise to wealth after a whirlwind weekend romance with an older American woman. The sight of this rapid change makes Genaro believe the same kind of luck is possible for him. He resolves to imitate that path to the American dream.

Genaro is introduced to Giuseppe, an Italian who runs one of the Caribbean's largest hotel chains. Giuseppe arranges a part-time job for him entertaining hotel guests' children by dressing up as a chicken. The job is far from glamorous, but it drops Genaro into the hotel world and its social circles.

Martha, a young American woman seeking a break from a troubled relationship, becomes Genaro's target of affection. She decides to spend a week in the Dominican Republic with her two aunts, Helen and Dorothy. Genaro sees this as his chance to pursue a life in the United States through a romantic connection.

To win Martha's heart, Genaro enlists his friends Chelo and Carlitos, transforming the colmado into a makeshift nightclub. They push a festive atmosphere and entertain the aunts, even as Genaro tries to keep a lid on his own rigid rules about music. The dynamic shift puts Genaro's plans to the test.

Chelo and Carlitos perform to satisfy the aunts' wilder fantasies, heightening the comedic chaos of the week. The brash entertainments complicate Genaro's pursuit of Martha and draw attention from guests and locals alike. The makeshift nightclub becomes the focal point of the week.

Martha's boyfriend Alex abruptly arrives in the Dominican Republic, turning Genaro's scheme into a tense triangle. The interruption forces Genaro to navigate competing desires and the risk of exposure. The arrival shifts the story from quiet longing to palpable conflict.

During the mounting chaos, Alex mistakes Giuseppe for Genaro, adding another layer of confusion to the love triangle. The mix-up underscores the fragility of Genaro's ruse and raises the stakes for everyone involved. It accelerates the story toward a confrontational climax.

Ultimately, Martha decides to leave the Dominican Republic, ending the week-long romance. Carlitos and Chelo accompany the aunts back to the United States, taking with them the memories of the escapade. Genaro is left behind to cope with the consequences of his plan.

With the aunts gone, Genaro stays in the Dominican Republic and leans on La Joven, a local woman who provides him comfort. He confides his troubles and worries about his ongoing dream of a new life in the United States. The ending hints at resilience and future pursuit rather than immediate success.

The week's chaos leaves Genaro humbled but not defeated. He reflects on the limits of quick wealth and the costs of pursuing love across borders. The story closes with a sense that his dream may persist, even if the path remains uncertain.

Genaro's dream of a better life endures, and the film ends on a note of perseverance rather than a clear victory. The comedy-grotesque tone underscores his humanity and desire for happiness. The timeline hints at possible future adventures beyond the events shown.