The action takes place in the North Caucasus at the end of the 20th century. Zoya and her father, while trying to return to Russia from a war-torn home, encounter the night watch. That same night, a group of militants approaches the house. After a fierce battle, the leader’s son, Rasul, learns of the death of his father. The militants call on their son to avenge his death. Left behind during the fight with Zoya, Rasul falls in love with her. After Zoya and her father leave for Russia, Rasul refuses to immediately kill the Russian patrolman who accidentally survived the battle. He is trying to decide for himself the question of the need to continue the war. However, the guard's confession of the murder of Rasul's father makes the man's choice clear. At this time, Zoya, having lost her father, decides to return from Russia to Chechnya. Her soul is sick and desperately looking for a shore to land on. Zoya finds the only way not to lose faith and continue to live.