A young girl, Jagna, must marry a much older rich farmer, Boryna, despite her love for his son Antek. Over time, Jagna becomes the object of envy and hatred among the villagers and must fight to preserve her independence. Everyone’s role is defined by rules and traditions, and the deviation from social norms can be punished with ridicule and ostracism. Dramatic turns of history in rural Poland at the turn of the 20th century are linked to the changing seasons, work in the fields, and local festivals.