Christoffer, heir to a vast industrial fortune, has abandoned the family business for an idyllic life with wife Maria, a beautiful stage actress. When his father commits suicide, Christoffer must return to Denmark to face the life he left behind. What he finds is a business on the brink of bankruptcy, a brother-in-law scheming for control and a domineering mother who insists Christoffer take control of the family business. His decision will force him to choose between two colliding worlds, between loyalty to his family and the woman he loves.

Part of Per Fly's trilogy of films dealing with the social strata, the film - winner of six Danish Oscars - also offers a telling meditation on the theme of power and the price you pay for it.