Thorne and Astrid are a white couple, he an alcoholic, she a neurotic. Pete and Adah are a mixed-race couple. Thorne, Astrid and Adah are staying at a room in a non-specific European location.

Thorne has been having an affair with Adah, who has become separated from her husband. Adah finds out that Pete has been working in a hotel café in the town and they resume their relationship. When Pete and Adah are reunited, tension erupts between Thorne and Astrid.

Thorne eventually decides to leave Astrid but, when she tries to stop him, he accidentally kills her in the ensuing tussle. Meanwhile, Pete is subjected to racist comments from Astrid and an old lady. After the death of Astrid, these racist feelings lead to Pete being ordered out of town, while Thorne is acquitted of murder.