A woman invites a famed artist to visit the remote coastal region where she lives. Powerfully drawn to his paintings. she believes his vision may penetrate the mystery at the centre of her life. But as long, dry summer sets in, his provocative presence soon twists the human patterns of her secluded household.destroy us, *Second Place* is a fable of female fate and male privilege, and a story of unfathomable attractions. Modern and timeless, it reminds us of art's seduction and elemental power - to both save and destroy.