This is a fascinating story inspired by the tragic shipwreck of the frigate Medusa in 1816 where 150 starving sailors resorted to murder and cannibalism in their death struggle fought in vain. The story takes place on a deserted cost at an old seaside hotel. Seven hotel guests meet here and two of these are survivors from the Medusa shipwreck. We meet an acknowledged portrait painter, an eccentric professor, a timid girl, a beautiful femme fatale, a priest and a vindictive young man. During the stay at the seaside hotel, their stories merge and everyone is forever changed.