On his deathbed, the 45-year-old successful lawyer Ivan Ilyich reflects on his seemingly well-ordered life and realizes that he has been deceived for a lifetime. His profession means nothing to him, and the bonds with his family now seem heartless and hollow. Indifference and self-importance dominate all interpersonal relationships. Only the genuine concern of the servant Gerasim and the sincere grief of his young son Vasya bring him some solace until he ultimately passes away.