Everlasting Moments

Maria, a Finnish woman living in Sweden, wins a priceless Contessa camera in a lottery. She shares this fortune with Sigfrid Larsson, whom she agrees to marry, marking the beginning of their life together.

Maria and Sigfrid soon establish a large and bustling family. Their life together sets the stage for the joys and challenges they will face in the early 1900s.

Maria visits a shop run by Sebastian Pedersen, a Danish-Swede, where she hopes to sell the Contessa camera. Mr. Pedersen takes her photograph and piques her interest in photography.

As Maria returns to the shop, she discovers an unexpected talent for photography. Mr. Pedersen shares insights about the art, deepening Maria's curiosity about capturing moments.

Mr. Pedersen gifts Maria with updated photography equipment in exchange for her Contessa camera. Although Maria lacks cash, he allows her to keep using the camera as she begins her photography journey.

Maria starts documenting her children's lives through photography, keeping it a secret from Sigfrid. This newfound passion helps her express her creativity amidst her familial responsibilities.

Maria uses her skills for post-mortem photography on a girl named Ingeborg, giving a copy to the grieving mother. This act demonstrates her compassion and deep understanding of loss.

An explosion during a labor strike leads to injuries and tragedy, resulting in the brief arrest of Sigfrid. Maria's quick action and a witness statement clear his name, reinforcing their bond.

As World War I looms in 1914, Maria returns to Mr. Pedersen's shop to discuss photographing soldiers. This visit marks a significant moment as they reconnect after years apart.

During a gathering of Scandinavian monarchs discussing neutrality, Maria captures their public appearance. She is thrilled to find out that her photograph is published in a newspaper.

As Maria's children learn about the Ten Commandments, they start to notice Sigfrid's infidelities and Maria's growing friendship with Mr. Pedersen, adding tension to the family dynamics.

After uncovering a portrait of Maria captured by Mr. Pedersen, Sigfrid confronts her in anger. This confrontation escalates into violence, revealing the cracks in their marriage.

Following a brutal episode, Maria faces the harrowing aftermath, including an attempt at self-abortion and the subsequent illness of their newborn son. These events drive Maria deeper into despair.

Amid the turmoil, Maria and her children find joy in a Charlie Chaplin film, offering brief relief from their difficult lives. However, Sigfrid's jealousy increases, resulting in violence.

Not long after a seemingly normal social outing, tragedy strikes as Maria passes away unexpectedly. Her death leaves a profound impact on her family and reflects the fragility of life.

Years later, Maja discovers her mother’s only self-portrait, which encapsulates the poignant moments from their lives. This pivotal moment serves as a reminder of Maria's spirit and struggles.