In this intense drama, filmed in Tahiti, a Tahitian girl from a small fishing village fantasizes about becoming the bride of the local boy she works with. When he leaves, she is crushed. She is later raped by a sailor and to escape it all leaves the island and sails for Europe to become an artist's model. There she meets a handsome fellow with whom she has a brief affair. Then he too deserts her and again her heart is broken. The despondent girl begins hanging out in bars and having a series of brief encounters until she meets a man who seems different from the rest.