In Sweden in the early 1900's – in a time of social change and unrest, of war and poverty – the young working class women Maria wins a camera in a lottery, and decides to keep it – a decision which alters her whole life.
The camera enables Maria to see the world through new eyes, but it also becomes a threat to her alcoholic womanizer of a husband, as it brings a charming photographer into her life. The film is based on a true story.