A newlywed photojournalist couple, Michael and Louise, arrive in Indo-China circa 1950 to do a public relations piece on the advantage of French occupation. As co-workers they are competent and controlled, but as lovers they are struggling to articulate their differences and needs. The couple reside at the plantation of a French manager, Daniel, and his rebellious daughter Viola. Louise, in particular, sees firsthand the mounting unrest of the Vietnamese workers and begins to document their struggles. In a world of ruthless brutality and life-threatening actions, Louise must struggle to look hard at the veil of deceit and denial in which she has shrouded both her relationship and herself.