In a quiet British village, psychiatrist Martin Dysart is faced with a case that challenges not only his profession but also his perception of normality. Alan Strang, a seventeen-year-old boy, commits a brutal and mysterious act: the blinding of six horses. As Dysart delves into the boy's mind, he discovers that Alan's obsession with horses goes beyond mere fascination. He grew up in a rigid and religious environment where freedom was sacrificed for the beliefs imposed by his parents. This fervent religiosity intertwines with an intense passion for these animals, becoming a symbol of his quest for truth and his own identity.
The treatment of Alan becomes an intimate exploration of the dark and complex feelings surrounding sexuality, spirituality, and madness. Dysart feels trapped between his professional duty and the desire for the young man to find peace. As the story progresses, the psychiatrist begins to question his own life, the decisions he has made, and the comforting mediocrity in which he has settled his existence.
The climax evolves into a tense and emotional confrontation between the therapist and his patient, where both seek answers in a world that often seems devoid of them. In this journey, profound truths about human nature, pain, and the quest for authentic connection are revealed.