Set onboard the transatlantic ocean liner “Batory”, the film is a theatrical psychological drama treating on the subject of unprovoked fear and the inability to conquer it.
The giant ocean liner is on a return voyage from America. Onboard is professor Nowak and Magda. Also present are a priest taking care of an elderly man, the singer Irena, a young man named Zbyszek and a mysterious passenger. The professor thinks he knows the man and tries talking to him, to no avail. He soon begins experiencing a feeling of fear motivated by the suspicion that he once harmed the man. The professor explains to Magda what motivated his decisions years ago, assuming it was what caused him to harm the man. He comes to the conclusion that the man is there to take revenge. A sailor who is on a yacht trip around the world boards the cruise ship. He arouses the interest of passengers, who are curious about his experiences. The professor feels increasingly in danger. The mysterious man turns out to be an architect. He tells Magda he never met the professor before. After returning to his cabin, the professor suffers a heart attack.