In a vibrant and disillusioning San Francisco of the late '60s, we find ourselves in a world undergoing profound transformation. Dr. Archie Bollen, an experienced and somewhat cynical heart surgeon, is caught in a monotonous and dangerous life, where ennui has become his constant companion. Everything changes when he meets a young, impulsive, and charming woman, full of life and madness, whose sparkling personality is capable of illuminating the darkest corners of his existence.
She is a woman in crisis, trapped in a destructive marriage with a jealous and possessive husband. As their paths cross, an unexpected connection blossoms between them, challenging the social conventions and morality of the time. The relationship becomes a dance between desire and fear, where freedom and desperation coexist in a haunting way. Archie is drawn to Petulia's madness, but he is also aware that he is walking a tightrope. Through the eyes of both characters, the film explores the ups and downs of love in a chaotic and transforming world.
The performances are intense and complemented by a colorful and stylish period atmosphere, reflecting the turmoil of a changing society. Yet, the question remains: will they find redemption in a love that may not be destined to last? Caught between madness and reality, their lives intertwine in surprising and often tragic ways.