Once a magnetic and daring young member of his community, Nikolai Ivánov has suddenly lost touch with all of the ideals, feelings and thoughts that until recently made up his personal and public identity. Unsure of what is happening to him and struggling to control his behavior, Ivanov's loss begins to have a tragic effect on his already struggling community - a community where personal needs are running at a ten, and no one seems to be able to help each other meet them.