This stark drama takes place in an unnamed country torn apart by civil war. Liv Ullmann and Max Von Sydow play Eva and Jan Rosenberg, both former concert violinists who, ever since their orchestra was disbanded, have been working on a secluded farm to earn a living. When their area is invaded by rebel troops, the formerly beautiful landscape is transformed into a nightmare of death and destruction. (An unnerving nonmusical soundtrack consisting chiefly of rhythmic noise, explosions, and gunfire adds to this effect.) The Rosenbergs attempt to flee the war zone but instead are forced to participate in a fake propaganda interview conducted by the invading soldiers. Soon afterward, Eva and Jan are arrested for collaboration by the current regime, but a commanding officer takes a liking to them, and his friendship offers a momentary reprieve from persecution. The loving bond that once existed between the couple has been destroyed, however, by the trauma they have witnessed, and the title refers to the shameful acts of betrayal to which they subsequently succumb.