In the early 20th century, Henrik Bergman is on a journey to become a parish minister within the Church of Sweden. His life takes a turn when he meets the wealthy Anna Åkerblom, introduced by his friend Ernst, Anna's brother. Despite Anna's vanity and perceived elitism, Henrik is drawn to her beauty and zest for life. Although he is in a sexual relationship with Frida, a waitress, Anna seduces him and proposes an engagement. As their relationship develops, Henrik discreetly continues his life with Frida. During a conversation with Anna's mother, Karin, Henrik confesses his discomfort around the Åkerbloms. Karin candidly informs him that Anna would benefit from a more mature partner, implying that Henrik lacks the necessary qualities. She later shares with Anna that Henrik is still involved with Frida, leading to a halt in Henrik and Anna’s romantic rendezvous until Frida, concerned for Henrik's unhappiness, persuades Anna to take him back.
While Anna seeks treatment for tuberculosis in Switzerland, a family member is dispatched to inform Henrik that she wishes to cut ties. Unknown to her parents, Anna sends a letter via Ernst to Henrik, expressing her desire to rekindle their relationship. Unfortunately, her father Johan discovers and destroys the letter, and when he passes away, Karin confesses her deed to Anna, who is enraged and seeks out Henrik. At that point, Henrik is set to move to Forsboda, a secluded village in northern Sweden for his new parish position, which is still under the care of an elderly and ailing minister. Anna decides to join him, and they marry despite societal class tensions.
Once settled in Forsboda, the couple welcomes their first son, Dag. However, Henrik finds himself embroiled in local labor disputes, as he stands against poor working conditions and opens his church for socialist meetings. His actions irritate Nordenson, who disapproves of Henrik’s progressive teaching methods that challenge traditional norms. Amidst this, the Bergmans take in Petrus, a troubled orphan. Their lives take another turn when they are summoned to Stockholm to meet Queen Victoria, who wishes to appoint Henrik as a chaplain at Sophiahemmet Hospital. During this encounter, Henrik boldly states, > "suffering is useless and God views the world with horror," leading to tensions with the royal expectations. The Bergmans decline the offer, but their decision infuriates the village residents who were not consulted and were hurt by Henrik's disparagement of Nordenson during church service.
As Anna approaches her second pregnancy, she insists on sending Petrus away, stating she never agreed to adopt him and has growing aversion toward the boy. Overhearing the conversation leads Petrus to kidnap young Dag and attempt to escape to an icy river. The Bergmans witness the abduction and chase after them, with Henrik rescuing Dag, but the confrontation sends Petrus away in fury. In despair, Anna becomes determined to leave Forsboda, taking Dag back to the Åkerblom home. Eventually, Henrik decides to accept the position in Stockholm and pleads for Anna to join him, to which she enthusiastically responds that it's what she has always wanted.
