In a quiet village in New York, at a time when the American Revolution is just around the corner, we find a man named Rip, a dreamer who prefers wandering through the countryside and enjoying life rather than working. His carefree personality brings him nothing but trouble, especially at home, where his wife constantly scolds him for not fulfilling his responsibilities. One day, tired of his routine and his wife's constant nagging, Rip escapes to the mountains in search of a moment of peace.
During his getaway, he encounters a group of mysterious men who seem to be from another era. With them, Rip shares a mug of an unknown liquor and, before long, succumbs to a deep sleep. When he finally wakes up, he realizes that much more time has passed than he imagined: two decades have gone by. He returns to his hometown only to discover that everything has changed dramatically; friends have aged, buildings have disappeared, and his wife has become a figure of the past.
With his world turned upside down and the American Revolution transforming reality around him, Rip must adapt to this new life, deal with his past choices, and ultimately find his place in a world that does not expect him. This story of dislocation and rediscovery reflects the struggle between duty and desire, as Rip tries to reconcile his past with the present.