Winter, 1843. A young woman is under investigation following the mysterious death of her family’s matriarch. Her recollection of the events sheds new light on the ageless forces behind the tragedy.

When a secret marriage is planned between Othello, a Moorish general, and Desdemona , the daughter of Senator Brabantio, her old suitor Roderigo takes it hard. He allies himself with Iago , who has his own grudge against Othello, and the two conspire to bring Othello down. When their first plan, to have him accused of witchcraft, fails, they plant evidence intended to make him believe Desdemona is unfaithful.