Andrea is an intelligent, handsome young man, who seems to have everything necessary to succeed. But, disoriented by the world's infinite possibilities he finds himself in an existential crisis and decides to undertake the novitiate, a period of spiritual training leading to priesthood. He enters a Venetian monastic order but instead of the anticipated silence, prayer and introspection, he is instead confronted by suspicion, surveillance and distrust as the fellow brethren seem almost eager to find him a flaw that will disqualify him from ordination. Mystery and uncertainty shroud the path to enlightenment in Saverio Costanzo's compelling, beautifully photographed and critically acclaimed drama.