The film is adapted from Tolstoy's novella "Father Sergius" (Отец Сергий) (1873), which tells a sad and moving story of a young nobleman in search of truth that eludes him, seeking God yet unable to find Him, resulting in his daily anguish and wandering. Its structure is complete and its meanings profound, powerfully depicting the conflict between spirit and flesh, while also imbued with strong mystical elements. After facing setbacks, he goes in search of the sun that illuminates the night with God's light. The Taviani brothers have woven together themes of the pride of the victors, the change of social status, and a return to the source in this vividly colored mystical work. Faith can only exist through doubt; only those who seek the truth might find God. In the 18th century, the young nobleman Sergio Giuramondo (played by Julian Sands), a favorite of King Charles III of Naples from the Spanish Bourbons, discovers on his wedding night that his wife Cristina (played by Natasha Kinski) is actually the king's mistress. Out of anger, he leaves the Neapolitan court and returns to his hometown. He wants to find God, so he goes to a monastery. Three years later, Sergio has become an excellent priest, determined to devote himself to saving souls. However, on the very day he first goes to his parish to celebrate Mass, he unexpectedly encounters his wife who betrayed him, sparking old feelings and regret for having distanced himself from worldly pleasures... After experiencing a fierce internal struggle, Sergio resolutely cuts off this emotional tie and leaves the village, heading towards Mount Petra to become a hermit. One stormy night, a young and beautiful lady, Aurelia (played by Patricia Millardet), comes to visit him. Having once been engaged in a scandalous affair, she is determined to tempt Sergio to break his vows and return to the world. Faced with intense carnal temptation, Sergio nearly loses self-control; he chops off his own finger with an axe to suppress his desire. From then on, Sergio's fame grows, and he is revered as a saint, with many pilgrims coming to seek miracles. Though he remains unfazed by carnal desires, he begins to doubt existence itself, becoming restless day and night. Soon, Sergio is tempted again. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Matilda (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg), who cannot go out during the day due to a condition called 'photophobia' since her mother passed away, comes to Sergio's room one night, asking him to heal her. She tells Sergio, 'I saw you in my dream,' and presses his hand against her chest... The next morning, Sergio tells her, 'You are not a patient; you are a demon,' and painfully leaves the room. He attempts to commit suicide but fails. He returns to his hometown, contemplating leaving the priesthood to spend the rest of his life. One day he mentions to others that he is going on a journey; later, he truly leaves and never returns.
