The Constant Factor

Witold, a graduate of an electricians' school, participates in high-mountain climbing during his military service. A mountaineer at the shelter mentions Witold's father, who died on a mountain expedition. Thanks to the business card given by that mountaineer, Witold later secures a job in an exhibition company after finishing his service.

After completing his service, Witold obtains a job in an exhibition company thanks to the card. This opportunity lets him work abroad often. He soon notices that his boss, Mariusz, is issuing fraudulent visas.

While working abroad, Witold becomes aware that his boss Mariusz is issuing fraudulent visas. This revelation shakes his trust in the company. He continues to work abroad despite the wrongdoing.

Witold's mother becomes suddenly ill, and he travels to a provincial town to see her. In the hospital, she lies on a bed in the corridor because there is no space. A nurse explains that a bribe would have helped; his intervention is unsuccessful.

Witold's terminally ill mother returns home and dies. Unable to shake off his mother's death, he rebels against Mariusz when invited to participate in minor frauds on his next business trip.

Witold, together with his military colleague Stefan, plans a Himalaya trip. His colleagues frame him and, at customs clearance, an undeclared amount of two hundred dollars is found on him. His career prospects crumble.

Witold loses his job as a consequence of the incident. The only person who remains close is Grażyna, the nurse he knows from earlier.

With no steady job, Witold earns his living by cleaning windows on skyscrapers and by erecting scaffolding during monument renovations. This work keeps him high above the ground and exposes him to the dangers of renovation sites.

As an unregistered student, he attends mathematics lectures at the Polytechnic. A professor encourages him to pursue regular studies, but Witold remains skeptical about taking up formal education.

While working on a crumbling facade, a small child chasing a ball is hit by falling debris. The incident underscores the fragility of his environment and the precariousness of his new life.

The film ends with a scream from Witold, leaving his fate ambiguous. The final moment emphasizes the ongoing danger and emotional intensity surrounding his choices.