On the Caribbean island of Arouca, Father Valencienne, young and idealistic, strives to enlighten what he perceives as ignorant natives; but a mysterious and beautiful woman, as well as the powerful forces of voodoo, the ancient religion brought by slaves from Africa, create doubt and confusion, profoundly intruding upon his faith and, ultimately, his life. With the safety of an entire village at stake, he must battle demons, lust, and above all, madness and murder.