A psychological interpretation of the opera mixing in references to the history of Germany, Wagner’s life, German literature and philosophy. The action is centered on Wagner’s death mask. Kundry is the main character – one might read the film as the story of her redemption rather than that of Amfortas.

A new governess arrives at a country house to take care of two seemingly angelic young children. But she begins to suspect that the house is haunted, and that the ghosts mean harm to the children.