Gloria, the film, is set in the moment of a life changing decision for Gloria. She is a Mexican-American bride who has followed the traditional expectations of her Latinx culture her whole life – until now. As she is preparing to walk down the aisle to join her fiancé, Rodrigo, she is faced with the reality of her secret relationship to Emilia. Emilia is the antithesis of Gloria’s beloved culture – she’s a graceful, Queer white woman. These two women are enthralled in their forbidden love but are confined to the expectations of heteronormativity that Gloria has subconsciously bestowed upon them.

We meet Emilia in a flashback where we see the two women hiding from the wedding party, the night before the wedding, as they connect through intimacy which soon turns to a passionate argument about the future. Emilia gives Gloria an ultimatum and leaves her stranded. Gloria looks up to see her sister, Sophia and reckons the reality that her secret has left the confines of their relationship. The women re-join the party and mingle with the guests. Sophia proceeds to make a toast for the couple.

Gloria is then seen in the present confronting reality: if she marries Rodrigo, Emilia will leave her because Emilia refuses to maintain the concealment of their love and she wants to be freed of the shadows of forbidden love. As Gloria contemplates her decision, Emilia flees by running towards a life of authenticity and freedom.

This tension leaves Gloria with a decision: honor her commitment to tradition or follow the path of authenticity while Rodrigo unknowingly waits at the altar.