The drama of a former noblewoman who became the wife of an NKVD officer in the 1930s, and the almost anecdotal story of how a spirited stallion was prepared for Marshal Budyonny's parade and, in the end, a reliable mare was "slipped in" instead. The realities of life at the top of the State Security Service are shown, their ordinary and "sweet" life with its joys, intrigues, betrayals, and tragedies. Russia is like a whirlpool that sucks in and destroys.

The film was shot as the final part of the play "Drink the sea, Xanthos" theatre-Studio "NEO" (St. Petersburg 1987-1989). As a result, the performance was changed and the film gained independence. He became an allegory of acting.

Escaping from her husband's abuse, Sasha goes to the very edge of the country - to Teriberka. The long road teaches her absurd but necessary lessons: how to persuade stubborn cars, run away from "antelope hunters", and most importantly - find and accept help in the most unexpected places. But the cherished sea will remind: to build a new life, you need to return the most important thing.