In this erotic thriller, a young english couple in Venice for the holidays is seduced by a mysterious older couple. Fascinated by their glamour, but disturbed by their dysfunctional behavior, they slowly find themselves drawn into sexual and emotional games that climax in sudden violence. The film is an examination on the limits that separate open-mindedness from sexual deviance, fantasy from reality. This theme is perfectly attuned to Schrader’s previews works, but this time he casts a cold, voyeuristic look at perversity and obsession. This film is also part of the Berlin School section.