St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century. The handsome and secretive Johann specializes in the fabrication of erotic photographs depicting the floggings of bare-bottomed women. Johann, his assistants and his photographic creations gradually penetrate the peaceful households of two upper class Russian families. The film is a haunting melodrama of hidden passions and sadomasochistic urges, a bizarre tale in which manipulation and revenge rule amidst the charm, innocence and perversion of days gone by.