Sicily, early 1900s. After a tragedy that leaves her an orphan, Modesta is welcomed into a convent where she becomes the protégé of the Mother Superior.

Modesta tries to get closer to Leonora, but the intimate bond between the two represents a constant threat to the survival of both.

Welcomed into the villa of Princess Brandiforti, Modesta plays the part of the devoted novice, but an infatuation threatens to ruin her plans.

Modesta struggles to navigate the pressures of the villa's residents, and is forced to compromise to get what she wants.

After a moment of serenity, new threats afflict the villa and force Modesta to make difficult choices to avoid being overwhelmed by the Princess.

Modesta makes an extreme gesture that upsets the life of the villa and forces all its inhabitants to make a new beginning.