Maria, a deeply religious Mexican migrant, and her Italian husband Giorgio have a close bond. But with Giorgio working as a night guard and Maria as a housekeeper and nanny in the family of Giorgio’s employer, they rarely see each other. Both long to have children of their own, but Giorgio is sterile. When Maria unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she doesn’t dare to tell Giorgio for fear that he might suspect infidelity. This silence is a strain on their relationship.

Torn between doubts and desire, they both look elsewhere for tenderness. Maria seeks comfort in the church and feels attracted to the young priest Salvatore. Giorgio, increasingly pressured by Maria’s insistence on having his infertility re-evaluated, has the feeling, merely the transsexual prostitute Arlette understands him. Fascinated by the unknown, both drive their feelings into the depths of love.