Umbra is a scientist who wants to prove his theory that human beings are ruled by chance and devoid of any purpose, and as a consequence some become evil and cruel.

Umbra heads a research institute on evil and cruelty together with his colleague and lover Iris. His subjects are both criminals and victims. He wants to prove his theory that human beings are ruled by chance and devoid of any purpose, and as a consequence some become evil and cruel. Umbra's theory is tested when Iris and his patients challenge him, and ultimately his own mind. As if in a nightmare, Umbra's inner world and his repressed emotions start to gain hold of him. Was his scientific research merely an unconscious attempt to come up with an explanation for the cruel treatment he received in his childhood?—Merja Ritola