A psychological drama about a woman's desperate quest for motherhood that descends into murder and confession.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Dreams of Motherhood
Sofia and Trofim navigate marital strain in 1920s Petrograd while struggling with infertility. Sofia clings to the hope that a child will restore their bond.
Ganka's Arrival — Orphaned neighbor Ganka moves into the couple's home. Characters: Sofia, Trofim, GankaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
The Unwanted Guest
Orphaned neighbor Ganka moves in and gradually captures Trofim's attention. Sofia feels increasingly neglected as her husband's focus shifts entirely to the young woman.
Key Events
Ganka's Arrival — Orphaned neighbor Ganka moves into the couple's home. Characters: Sofia, Trofim, GankaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Domestic Shift — Ganka establishes herself in the household, altering daily routines. Characters: Sofia, GankaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Trofim's Attention Shifts — Trofim begins spending significant time with Ganka. Characters: Trofim, GankaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Sofia's Neglect — Sofia observes Trofim's fading interest in her. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Cohabitation Begins — Ganka and Trofim start cohabiting, deepening the marital rift. Characters: Trofim, GankaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Marital Crisis — Sofia confronts the reality of her husband's emotional abandonment. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Apartment
The Flood and the Axe
A devastating flood strikes Petrograd, providing Sofia with the perfect cover for violence. She uses the chaos to murder Ganka, who subsequently disappears and is presumed to have fled.
Key Events
Marital Crisis — Sofia confronts the reality of her husband's emotional abandonment. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Flood Warning — A severe flood approaches the city, creating chaotic conditions. Characters: Sofia, Trofim, GankaLocation: Petrograd Streets
Sofia's Resolve — Sofia decides to use the impending flood to eliminate Ganka. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
The Flood Strikes — Rising waters inundate the neighborhood, causing panic. Characters: Sofia, Trofim, GankaLocation: Petrograd Streets
The Axe Attack — Sofia strikes Ganka with an ax during the flood chaos. Characters: Sofia, GankaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Ganka's Disappearance — Ganka vanishes in the floodwaters; everyone assumes she fled. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Streets
Feverish Confession
Sofia's pregnancy heals the marital rift, but postpartum fever triggers a psychological breakdown. Delirious, she confesses to the murder, exposing the dark truth behind the domestic facade.
Key Events
Ganka's Disappearance — Ganka vanishes in the floodwaters; everyone assumes she fled. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Streets
Sofia's Pregnancy — Sofia discovers she is pregnant, shifting the household dynamic. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Marital Reconciliation — The couple's relationship improves as they focus on the upcoming birth. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Childbirth — Sofia gives birth to a daughter, fulfilling her maternal dream. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Postpartum Fever — Sofia develops a high fever following childbirth, weakening her physically. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Delirious State — Fever-induced delirium breaks down Sofia's psychological defenses. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
The Confession — Sofia verbally confesses to killing Ganka with an ax during her fever. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Truth Unveiled — The hidden murder is exposed, shattering the domestic illusion. Characters: Sofia, TrofimLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Narrative Closure — The film concludes with the weight of Sofia's secret and actions. Characters: SofiaLocation: Petrograd Apartment
Story Breakdown
Marital Desperation — Sofia's infertility threatens her marriage with Trofim.
Infertility Struggle — Sofia faces ongoing emotional strain from inability to conceive.
Maternal Hope — Sofia believes a child will restore her husband's affection.
Emotional Distance — Lack of intimacy creates a growing chasm between spouses.
The Intruder — Ganka's arrival disrupts the household dynamic.
Orphaned Neighbor — Ganka moves into the couple's home seeking shelter.
Domestic Shift — Daily routines alter as Ganka integrates into the space.
Trofim's Attention — Trofim gradually redirects his focus toward Ganka.
Rising Tensions — Sofia's jealousy and neglect fuel her desperation.
Emotional Abandonment — Sofia feels completely sidelined by her husband's new attachment.
Cohabitation Secret — Trofim and Ganka begin living together without Sofia's consent.
Psychological Strain — Sofia's mental state deteriorates under mounting pressure.
The Flood Catalyst — Environmental chaos provides an opportunity for violence.
Impending Deluge — Severe weather warnings threaten the Petrograd neighborhood.
Sofia's Resolve — Sofia formulates a plan to use the flood for her advantage.
Chaos Unleashed — Rising waters create confusion and isolate the household.
The Murder — Sofia eliminates her rival during the flood.
Axe Attack — Sofia strikes Ganka with an ax amid the flooding.
Ganka's Disappearance — Ganka vanishes into the waters, presumed to have fled.
Cover-Up Success — The community accepts the disappearance without suspicion.
Domestic Restoration — Pregnancy heals the marital rift temporarily.
Positive Test — Sofia discovers she is pregnant, shifting household priorities.
Reconciliation — Sofia and Trofim rebuild their relationship around the baby.
Birth Preparation — The couple focuses on welcoming their daughter.
Childbirth — Sofia delivers her daughter, fulfilling her original dream.
High Fever — Physical illness follows delivery, weakening her constitution.
Delirious State — Fever-induced hallucinations erode Sofia's psychological control.
Truth Unveiled — The hidden crime is exposed through confession.
Feverish Confession — Sofia verbally admits to the murder during her delirium.
Marital Shattering — The revelation destroys the fragile peace between spouses.
Narrative Closure — The film ends with the heavy burden of exposed guilt.
This is 1920: Sophia and Trofim Ivanytch have been living on Vassilievski Island, which is part of Petrograd, for thirteen years. In their house, which looks like a ship wreck, the atmosphere is gloomy. Sophia cannot have children and she is aware that, because of that, she is likely to lose her husband. That is why, when their neighbor dies, she asks Trofim to take in Ganka, his orphaned thirteen-year-old daughter. Trofim agrees and their new life begins...
