The story takes place in August 1991, when in the former USSR there was an unsuccessful attempt of a political coup led by the Soviet intelligence services and the Soviet Union collapsed. However, this political struggle is only a background for dramatic events that occurred with the main characters of the film in a Soviet government villa in Crimea, where they were spending their summer holidays. The nightmare of their relationship reflects present and future nightmares of their country.

Alexandra, a young girl of seventeen, goes to Moscow to study painting and to find love. After a while, however, she discovers that her dreams are not easily reached. She has to leave Moscow, unable to enrol in a college or to meet her beloved. Eventually, her real talent and love will find a way to shine.

A team of rescue workers do what they can in the desperate situation left by an earthquake in the Kyrgyz mountains.

Based on the play of the same name by M. Shatrov.