1945, Leningrad. World War II has devastated the city, demolishing its buildings and leaving its citizens in tatters, physically and mentally. Two young women, Iya and Masha, search for meaning and hope in the struggle to rebuild their lives amongst the ruins.
A writer in 1930s Moscow has his work banned and is expelled from the official union, leaving him without income. He then writes a novel about a mysterious dark visitor and gradually starts confusing his real life with the story.
Mysterious murders of girls from dysfunctional families take place in a small town. Investigator Demidov, who is investigating this case, vows to find the maniac, since he himself has two daughters. However, after some time, he discovers that the maniac is much closer to his family than it could have been assumed.
