Maria, a Finnish woman living in Sweden, unexpectedly wins a priceless Contessa camera in a lottery alongside a man named Sigfrid Larsson. To share in the fortune, they agree to marry and soon have a large family. As the early 1900s unfold, Maria finds herself visiting a shop run by the Danish-Swede Sebastian Pedersen, hoping to sell the camera. Mr. Pedersen assures her that he can provide an estimate, capturing a photograph of her as she departs. Upon returning, Maria is astonished by the picture and grows curious about the intricacies of photography. Mr. Pedersen takes the opportunity to explain some basic concepts surrounding the art.
Boosted by their growing rapport, he gifts her updated equipment in exchange for her Contessa. Although she lacks cash, Mr. Pedersen allows her to keep using the camera, maintaining ownership. Maria begins her photography journey, documenting her children and requesting them to keep it a secret from Sigfrid. She later uses her newfound skill for post-mortem photography on a girl named Ingeborg, freely giving a copy to the grieving mother. Gripped by admiration for Maria's talent, Mr. Pedersen accepts the memorial photograph as a substitute for the camera payment.
When an explosion during a labor strike results in injuries and a death, authorities briefly arrest Sigfrid. Maria shows him the kids' picture, and a witness later clears him of the accusations. Five years later, as World War I looms in 1914, Maria, who has lost contact with Mr. Pedersen, returns to his shop to discuss taking photographs of soldiers. Around the same time, Scandinavian monarchs gather to strategize on remaining neutral in the war, with Maria capturing their public appearance in a photograph. She is astounded to discover that a newspaper has purchased and published her photo of the kings.
As her children learn about the Ten Commandments, they begin to notice Sigfrid's infidelities and Maria's blossoming friendship with Mr. Pedersen. Their relationship deepens as he captures a portrait of Maria, fostering a sense of intimacy between them. Upon discovering the portrait, a furious Sigfrid confronts Maria, accusing her of infidelity. In a rage, he attacks her, despite her pointing out his own transgressions. Following a brutal episode of marital rape, Maria attempts to self-abort, leading to a blame-shifting aftermath when their newborn son is afflicted with polio.
Amidst the turmoil, their family finds joy in viewing a Charlie Chaplin film, which only fuels Sigfrid's jealousy about perceived distance from his children. That anger manifests violently as he places a knife to Maria's throat but stops short of taking her life, resulting in yet another prison sentence for him. During his absence, Maria’s children encourage her to leave Sigfrid, convinced they would fare better without him. Subsequently, when Sigfrid reenters their lives and reconciles with Maria, their daughter Maja struggles to comprehend this decision.
Not long after a social outing, Maria tragically passes away. Years later, Maja stumbles upon her mother’s only self-portrait, a reflection of the poignant moments that transpired between that outing and Maria’s untimely death.
