 Marie and Alexei grow distant as he acclimates to his role as the public health advisor and toes the party line, while she yearns for the West.Her budding friendship with Sasha, who is a champion swimmer recently thrown out of the local team, becomes a vehicle of possible escape.As she helps him train in order to regain his position on the team, they see an opportunity to go West for the European championships, and help them both towards liberation.