In Poland 1949, the remnants of World War II cast a long shadow over the landscape as a trio embarks on a cultural journey. Comprising the music composer and pianist [Wiktor](#/actor/tomasz-kot), the dance choreographer [Irena](#/actor/agata-kulesza), and the manager [Kaczmarek](#/actor/borys-szyc), they traverse the Polish countryside, seeking to capture the soulful essence of folk songs and dances. Encountering numerous locals, they record traditional melodies and rhythms but face skepticism from Kaczmarek, who doubts the commercial viability of songs sung in regional dialects. Following their recording sessions, auditions are held for singers and dancers to create a folk dance troupe in an abandoned lavish estate. It is here that Wiktor meets Zula ([Joanna Kulig](#/actor/joanna-kulig)), whose enchanting voice captivates him during her audition. As rehearsals progress, Wiktor learns about Zula’s troubled past, including her time in jail for defending herself against an abusive father.
Fast forward to Warsaw, Poland 1951, the dance troupe's efforts culminate in a spectacular performance that garners acclaim. A passionate encounter occurs between Wiktor and Zula in a restroom immediately after the show. However, a meeting with a high-ranking government official soon shifts their trajectory, as he demands they craft a play glorifying the communist regime and its policies. Irena's protests are overruled by Kaczmarek, leading to discontent among the artists. Feeling constrained, Wiktor decides it’s time to escape Poland, but Zula bursts his bubble by revealing that she has been reporting on him to Kaczmarek due to her probation requirements. Despite her love for him, she hesitates when Wiktor proposes they meet at a border checkpoint in East Berlin. Alone, he crosses over, leaving her behind.
In Paris, France 1954, Wiktor finds himself working at a jazz bar named L'Eclipse, where he receives an unexpected letter from Zula, now in Paris and wanting to reconnect. Their reunion at a café is charged with emotion, but Zula expresses self-doubt about her artistry and language skills in France, leading to a bittersweet farewell after a brief but passionate kiss.
By Yugoslavia 1955, Wiktor travels to see Zula performing with her dance troupe. While standing in line for the show, he crosses paths with Kaczmarek, who discreetly updates him on Zula’s career. Unfortunately, their chance meeting is cut short when police, alerted by Kaczmarek, detain Wiktor, leading to his deportation back to France.
Paris, France 1957 sees Wiktor immersed in composing film scores. Zula's arrival at his studio rekindles their chemistry, as she reveals her legal departure from Poland via marriage to an Italian while yearning to be with him instead. Their connection rekindles as they share intimate moments; however, Zula struggles with jealousy over Wiktor's previous lover, Juliette, who writes songs for her. During a gathering, Wiktor introduces Zula to Michel ([Cédric Kahn](#/actor/cedric-kahn)), a music executive aiming to elevate her singing career. However, Zula faces challenges, including Juliette’s condescending remarks and her growing frustration regarding Wiktor's honesty about her past. As she succumbs to alcohol, Wiktor guides her back home, but their relationship strains further when she admits infidelity with Michel. In a fit of anger, Wiktor strikes Zula, resulting in her abrupt departure for Poland. Desperate to win her back, he seeks a visa but is hindered by the embassy’s demands for espionage, which he refuses.
In Poland 1959, Wiktor’s mission to reunite with Zula lands him in trouble, as he is apprehended while trying to cross the border illegally and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Enduring severe hardships and losing his piano-playing ability due to brutal treatment, he receives a visit from Zula, who promises to free him no matter the cost.
By 1964, Wiktor emerges from prison, only to discover Zula has built a new life with Kaczmarek and has a child. It is revealed that her intervention from a deputy minister, who admired her talent, led to his release. After a poignant performance, Zula requests Wiktor’s help in escaping for good. They elude their past and marry in a dilapidated church, but the film closes with ambiguity as their fate hangs in the balance, hinting at a tragic conclusion as they seemingly choose to end their lives with sleeping pills, leaving their love story steeped in both passion and despair.
