The film tells the stories of two thirtysomething women who have never met but who on different levels have to grapple with the same problem. Gymnast Eva and housewife Věra both feel pressured by the monotony of their everyday lives, and their desire for change. Eva is determined to round off her career as a top sportswoman by some very serious competitions, while Věra grants herself some “respite” from caring for her husband and son in a love affair which will, ultimately, require a solution. In the end, neither of the protagonists take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself. Chytilová, 34 at the time, explores what would become her long-standing favorite theme: women’s emancipation.

Subtitles: HR