A coal mine in northern France, at the beginning of the 20th century.

Tensions are running high between the Mortier brothers, who own the mine, and the miners: investment funds are falling short, and the mine shafts are growing dangerous. The arrival of a caravan of gypsies further strains the atmosphere, reviving old fears and hostilities against the nomads. Only Antoine, a young miner who dreams of sailing the world, welcomes them with enthusiasm and curiosity. Kheshalya, a young girl who’s been forbidden by her tribe to practice palm-reading, awakens his interest even more.

With the manipulative André Mortier pulling the strings, a confrontation between the miners and the gypsies becomes inevitable. And, as a disastrous exploasion in the depths, a shameful past will resurge from the depths of memory, indelibly marking the destinies of Antoine and Kheshalya.