It is based on the life of Sarah Baartman, a Khoikhoi woman who in the early 19th century was exhibited in Europe under the name "Hottentot Venus".

Several years before in 1810 Sarah Baartman, a khoikhoi woman from South Africa, is brought to London by Hendrick Caezer, an Afrikaaner.

Caezer puts her on display as the "Hottentot venus" in freak shows, exploiting her physique-mainly her large buttocks and exotic looks.

In France her exploitation continues, but the situation worsens as she is forced to take part in even more humiliating spectacles where she is subjected to sexual degradation.

Sarah's body attracts the interest of French scientists, including Georges Cuvier, who offers money to examine her.