In early 20th century Russia, young Prince Lev Myshkin, who has spent much of his life in a sanatorium due to his epilepsy, returns to Saint Petersburg after receiving treatment. With a pure heart and an almost childlike innocence, his arrival marks a striking contrast to the hypocrisy and cynicism of the Russian high society. Along the way, he encounters a series of intriguing characters, such as the enigmatic Nastasya Filippovna, a beautiful woman caught in a whirlwind of destructive relationships, and the ambitious Rogozhin, who is obsessed with her.
As Lev delves into this tangled world, he seeks to understand the nature of love, madness, and suffering, unwittingly becoming a catalyst for the emotional conflicts of those around him. His kindness and sincerity clash with the cruelty and selfishness of others, triggering a series of tragic events. Lev is forced to confront the bitter truth of life and the internal struggle between his idealism and the reality that surrounds him.
Through his interactions, the film explores profound themes of morality, madness, and the quest for truth in a chaotic and often cruel world. Ultimately, his journey becomes a powerful commentary on humanity and the struggle to maintain one's humanity in an environment seemingly designed to break it.