Irína Arkádina is a famous—but fading—actress in Russia at the turn of the last century. She and her lover, Boris Trigórin, a well-known author, arrive at her brother Sórin’s country estate for the summer, just as son Konstantín is staging an experimental new play he’s written and directed, starring his girlfriend, Nína. Konstantín wants to find “new forms of theater,” but Arkádina is far more traditional—and not about to let anyone forget that she’s the star in the family. Her snide comments during the performance enrage Konstantín, who stops the show and storms off. In Konstantín’s absence, Nína comes out and is introduced to Trigórin. Nína is soon enthralled by the successful author, which starts a love affair—and the ensuing jealousies and anger—that will eventually ruin lives.