The story takes place in the mid-90s of the 20th century. After a long absence, successful film director Valentin Visherov comes to his hometown with another shocking film. His main goal is to gain access to the family archive of his two repressed grandfathers to create a series about the years of Stalin's terror. Absorbed by his ambitious plan, Valentin is absolutely unable to delve into the complex vicissitudes of his father's life, into his deep experiences. Valentin's father, Vladimir Alekseevich, the main character of the story, cannot survive his son's cold indifference.