Bruce arrives in Rome for a one-year stay at the Villa Medicis. His brother, a writer, is dead. His girlfriend is leaving him. As the days pass, he finds himself cut off from the outside world and his usual bearings as he becomes acquainted with the imposing setting of the magnificient, solemm palace and its disturbing grounds. He meets Matteo, a young Roman trainee at the Villa's administrative department. Matteo gradually worms his way into Bruce's life. Unsettled and disturbed by facets of Matteo's character that ressemble his brother's, Bruce allows himself to be drawn into an unusual and poorly defined relationship, a cruel initiation made up of great expectations and erotic games. When Bruce tries to turn back, it's too late.