In a late 19th century Russia, three brothers, each with their own philosophy of life, confront the complexities of existence and the moral dilemmas arising from their relationship with their father. Dmitri, the eldest, is impulsive and passionate, caught in a whirlwind of emotions and debts. Ivan, the intellectual, grapples with faith and reason, questioning the morality of life and human suffering. Lastly, the youngest, Alexei, is the glue that holds the family together, representing hope and the quest for redemption.
The tension between the brothers escalates when their father, a greedy and selfish man, is brutally murdered. Each one of them has motives and secrets, triggering a series of questions about guilt and justice. As events unfold, the dilemma of faith versus nihilism becomes even more palpable, and the characters must confront the consequences of their decisions and the shadows of their past.
As the story progresses, viewers are drawn into a profound analysis of love, hate, and sacrifice, exploring timeless themes of the human condition. The film is an emotional journey that invites reflection on the nature of good and evil, and the incessant struggle between desire and morality in a chaotic world.