In this modern-day interpretation of Gorky’s early 20th century world of misfits, a group of poverty stricken down-and-outs are forced to live together in a shelter, where they are exploited by the landlord. Among the group are a prostitute with romantic dreams; a cold, unemployed tradesman whose young wife is dying; a bitter, alcoholic former actor; a one-time aristocrat; a card shark; a thief; an old woman and a crazy drunken musician. Into this mix comes a mysterious old man who manages to put a fire under their dreams and change each individual’s life. 

The Lower Depths takes a look at the consequences of hope and despair in the lives in society's invisible underworld.