Andrei—a journalist with grand ambitions—is approaching his fortieth birthday in a state of financial and emotional ruin. His encounter with the young Sasha, nicknamed Ugolok—an unusual model with sun-damaged skin—gives him the chance to start afresh. He writes an article about Ugolok’s story, which causes a huge public stir. Andrei sets off for Sasha’s hometown to investigate other facts from her past. Andrei faces a tough task to uncover the truth and bring it to his readers. Sasha helps him through this ordeal; despite the severe trauma of her childhood, she proves capable of leading him out of his life’s impasse.
