In 1956 Olaf lives alone on his family′s farm after his mother′s death. Unable to read and write, Olaf is dependent on his younger friend Erik. Erik, once a sailor, brags of having known hundreds of women but now works part-time as the local gravedigger. Out of the blue Olaf places an ad in the paper for a young housekeeper. Ellen, a 34-year-old middle class woman with a past, answers the ad and takes over the house. As the summer goes on, Olaf is drawn closer and closer to Ellen. Erik also tries in vain to win her over. But when Olaf′s arrogant friend Erik tries to win Ellen′s favor, which the three are forced to play it out under the hot summer sun. The film follows their relationship and the consequent problems within the triangle of characters.