Cornelia has earned a living. A successful architect in Bucharest, she is also estranged from her son Barbu, a state of affairs she ascribes to Barbu's girlfriend. Despite all the luxuries her success has afforded him, Barbu seemingly wants nothing to do with his mother. When he is involved in a tragic car accident, striking and killing a young peasant boy, Cornelia will do whatever it takes to keep Barbu out of jail and, ultimately, win back his love.