In the Carpathians mountains, in a remote village, Irina lives with her brother, both orphans. They help their adoptive parents with the household chores. The young woman, born deaf-mute, has only one friend in the village: old Ciorsak, the church bell ringer. As often as she can, Irina retreats in nature, among wild animals that roam through the surrounding forests. In this idyllic setting, suspended in time, a French crew arrives to make a documentary film about local traditions and customs, baptism, wedding and funeral. Martin, the cameraman, falls madly in love with Irina, who accepts his love. As the film confronts the beliefs and superstitions of the villagers, their love gradually turns into a macabre ritual.