Some kinds of love can only be endured.

Richard Wilson, a professor of English literature, and his wife, Carol, are injured in a landslide that destroys their home and takes the life of their student boarder. Richard heals from the injuries caused by the accident, but, emotionally traumatized, he withdraws into his own world, threatening his marriage.

When the beautiful, intriguing Jacintha enrols in his seminar on The Tempest, Richard gradually falls under her spell. But on the verge of succumbing to his desire, he receives information that shatters his belief in himself as a moral man. He tries to distance himself from Jacintha, but she has other plans that can only lead to more anguish for everyone involved.