This charming tale focuses on Willa Ledbetter, an African American middle-aged school teacher in Watts, and her longing to visit her parent's homeland of Cuba. In the face of unexpected political and familial pressures to forego her dream, Willa struggles to make her decision. The title of the film refers to the shape of the island - the crocodile being its national symbol - and the menace socialist Cuba represents to many people in Willa's world.