Lars von Trier directs this sci-fi drama about the effects of depression on two sisters, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). Played out in two acts, the film opens with the wedding of Justine (Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård): a sumptuous affair paid for by Justine's Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and her husband John (Kiefer Sutherland). However, when Justine notices a strange star in the sky, she starts behaving oddly and the wedding is ruined. The film's second act follows Justine, now extremely weak and ill, after she goes to live with her sister. As Claire and John struggle to deal with Justine's condition, astronomy buff Claire becomes increasingly concerned about a large blue planet that is threatening to collide with the earth. Charlotte Rampling and John Hurt co-star.

In 1970's Scotland, young Bess meets and falls in love with oil rig worker Jan. Despite opposition they marry, and when Jan returns to the rigs Bess counts the days until his return. After Jan is paralysed in an accident, he urges Bess to take a lover and relate their sexual acts to him. The soundtrack includes music by David Bowie and T-Rex.

In 1970's Scotland, young Bess meets and falls in love with oil rig worker Jan. Despite opposition they marry, and when Jan returns to the rigs Bess counts the days until his return. After Jan is paralysed in an accident, he urges Bess to take a lover and relate their sexual acts to him. The soundtrack includes music by David Bowie and T-Rex.