A Jewish woman (Jacqueline Bisset) survives wartime Germany by seducing a Nazi -- a decision that decades later influences the emotional lives of her two sons. One (Josh Lucas) drifts through life without purpose; the other (Lukas Haas) cannot flee his stifling relationship with his mother. The sadomasochistic older son, in particular, is tormented, going from one fling to the next until he finds hope when he meets a young co-worker (Adam Brody).