Bruce, recipient of a Villa Medici grant, arrives in Rome, prepared for a year long stay. His brother has died. His girlfriend has left him.
As the days go by, cut off from the rest of the world and his usual reference points, he learns to live in the imposing surroundings of this magnificent, solemn palace with its strange gardens, and in the company of the other artists.
He meets Matteo, a young Roman working in the Villa’s office. Little by little, Matteo insinuates himself into Bruce’s life.