When Night Is Falling

Camille Baker, a university literature professor, experiences an emotional moment when her dog runs away and is found dead on the street. She spends time crying in a laundromat, indicating her deep connection to her pet and her emotional vulnerability. This event sets the tone for her inner turmoil and capacity for grief.

While at the laundromat, Camille is approached by Petra, a circus performer, who offers comfort after witnessing Camille's distress. Petra's kindness sparks a connection, and they begin to converse, though Camille is confused about her feelings and unsure how to respond to Petra's friendliness.

Camille finds Petra's business card inside her laundry bag after a mix-up and visits her to return the clothes. She learns that Petra is a circus performer, which intrigues her and begins to deepen their acquaintance. Their interactions reveal Petra's interest in more intimate relations.

Petra confesses her desire to sleep with Camille, which leaves Camille feeling confused and uncomfortable. She quickly leaves the trailer after this awkward moment, showing her ambivalence toward Petra's advances.

Camille and Martin are being groomed to succeed the university chaplain, with pressure to marry for promotion. Camille refuses to denounce homosexuality during an interview, highlighting her moral stance and internal conflict about her identity.

After being watched by Petra outside her office, Camille attempts to distance herself but then asks Petra to be her friend, admitting that her earlier kiss was a mistake. This marks the beginning of her emotional transition and complex feelings towards Petra.

Petra takes Camille hang-gliding, urging her to participate despite her initial reluctance. During the flight, Camille injures her knee, leading to an intimate moment where Petra massages and begins to undress her, heightening their emotional and physical connection.

Camille briefly has sex with Martin at his house, but her mind is preoccupied with Petra. She later visits a circus to see Petra, where they have sex in the circus environment, illustrating her internal struggle between her commitments and desires.

Seeking guidance, Camille talks to the university chaplain, who shows understanding. She then joins Petra and circus performers at the festival, Circumstance, and begins contemplating a life with Petra outside her traditional world.

Martin finds the picture of Petra with Camille's number at her home. He enters the circus trailer and sees Camille and Petra together, leading to confrontations and a scare when he hits Petra's trailer in anger, revealing his suspicion and hurt.

Camille returns home to break up with Martin, but he is already there. He urges her to consider the stability of their relationship, while Camille contemplates her true feelings and buries her dead dog in the woods, symbolizing her attempt to let go of the past.

Camille, overwhelmed, passes out in a snowbank and is discovered by hang gliders. Petra rushes to her side, reviving her, which reunites them. Camille joins Petra's circus group heading to the festival, embracing her new life and love.

The circus director, who dreamed of running away, stays in the city while Camille and Petra leave together. Camille's journey concludes with her embracing her identity and new relationship, leaving her old world behind, as the film hints at a hopeful future for her.