Based on the famous novella by Anton Chekhov and exquisitely shot on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, the story follows Laevsky, a jaded civil servant who has come to town with his married lover, Nadya. Finding their affair no longer what he imagined, Laevsky tries to borrow money to escape. However, his plans are increasingly threatened by an inflexible scientist named Von Koren, who lusts after Nadya. Trapped by their unreconcilable desires, the three characters find themselves drawn tightly together as the heat, heavy clothing and stifling morality press down.