The film takes place over one day in Sweden. From dawn in Västervik to sunset in Stockholm a variety of characters going about their everyday lives.

A series of tableaux of everyday settings with people in various stages of their lives. Relations form and finish, memories of meetings mingle with the yearning for meetings that have not happened yet. The dance slowly takes over, forming a pattern that none of the characters can see - they are all connected. The rain affects them all.

12 year old Carmen has to stay home during the summer while most other people are on holiday. She plays with younger children Anders and Kerstin. 20 year old Bengt-Olof is a little bit challenged and has no other friends of his own age. Therefore, he frightens and mobs the children in the neighbourhood who, at first try to flee him, but then begin planning their revenge...

Modern adaptation of the classic operatic drama, with a few twists. Micaela, José's Mother, and Mörd (Death) are played by the same dancer. The action is reduced to a single act in 13 scenes. The love scenes are played to a minimum and the working women's fight is adjourned to the last scene [and cut from some DVD editions] that concentrates all the pathos announced throughout by the eerie music.