Set in early 20th century New Orleans, this captivating story follows a young and beautiful girl named Violet, who grows up in a local brothel. Her mother, a worker at the establishment, tries to protect her from the harsh reality around them while Violet develops a curious relationship with the establishment's clients. Violet's life unfolds between games and mischief, but there is an impending sense of lost innocence as she begins to understand the adult world that surrounds her.
As Violet becomes a teenager, her dazzling beauty does not go unnoticed, and an art collector and photographer observes her with interest. The plot thickens when a gentleman also finds himself attracted to her, triggering a rivalry that challenges the norms of the society of the time. The suppression of her desires and the struggle to find her identity become the central focus of the story, as Violet navigates between her mother's protection and the alluring dangers of the outside world.
With a backdrop of enveloping jazz and a bold approach to sexuality, the film raises questions about freedom, love, and loss. The relationship between mother and daughter serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for the sake of loved ones, as they struggle to escape the life that confines them. In the end, Violet must decide whether to follow the path that others have laid out for her or to claim her own autonomy.